Rays open two-team, six game homestand
The Tampa Bay Rays return to Tropicana Field on Tuesday for a two-team, six-game homestand between the Philadelphia Phillies (July 4-6) and Atlanta Braves (July 7-9). The 2023 Rays season is presented by Bayfront Health.
Tuesday, July 4 vs. Philadelphia Phillies
- First Pitch: 4:10 p.m.
- Gates Open: 2:40 p.m.
- Independence Day: Independence Day celebrations will include ceremonial first pitches thrown by Rays baseball operations staffers Eduardo Sanchez and Wilson Made who each recently gained American citizenship. They will be accompanied by their families. A large flag will be unfurled in center field by MacDill Air Force Base service members and families during the national anthem.
- National Anthem: Performed by Maxine Reyes
- Color Guard: Presented by Sons of American Revolution Tampa Chapter
- Tuesday’s Champion: Before every Tuesday home game, the Rays recognize a child from the Make-A-Wish Foundation or the Children’s Dream Fund as part of the Tuesday’s Champion program, presented by RIPA & Associates. The Rays will host Alex from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. As part of Alex’s special day as a Tuesday’s Champion, he will meet Rays players and throw out a ceremonial first pitch. Alex, who is 6 years old, has been battling acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) since he was 16 months old. He was the 2020 Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Boy of the Year. Alex loves to play sports, Roblox and his favorite Rays players are Randy Arozarena, Yandy Diaz and Harold Ramirez.
Wednesday, July 5 vs. Philadelphia Phillies
- First Pitch: 6:40 p.m.
- Gates Open: 5:10 p.m.
- National Anthem: Performed by Melanie Simpson
- Color Guard: Presented by Pasco Young Marines
- Ceremonial First Pitch: Thrown by Chef Robert Hesse of Fo’Cheezy Twisted Meltz. Best known for his time on Gordon Ramsay’s cooking show Hell’s Kitchen, Hesse is bringing his grilled cheese restaurant concept to Tropicana Field in a new multi-year partnership.
- In-Game Presentation: The Rays Baseball Foundation will present local YMCAs (Tampa Metro YMCA, YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg and YMCA of the Suncoast) with partnership grants totaling $22,500 in support of early learning programs.
Thursday, July 6 vs. Philadelphia Phillies
- First Pitch: 6:40 p.m.
- Gates Open: 5:10 p.m.
- National Anthem: Performed by Samantha Busby
- Ceremonial First Pitch: Thrown by Eliana Su’a, lead actress in the new Disney Channel original series, Pretty Freekin Scary. Su’a has also appeared in blockbusters including Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, alongside superstar Dwayne Johnson, and in a reoccurring role on the popular television series, 9-1-1. Her father, Justin Su’a, is the Head of Mental Performance for the Rays.
- The Rays will recognize Corporal Matthew Aitken and Sergeant Jacob Viano from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office with a ceremonial first pitch. On March 12, 2023, Corporal Aitken was shot in the line of duty while responding to a burglary. Due to the heroic actions of his K9 partner, Taco, and Sergeant Viano, his life was saved that day and he will make a full recovery.
Friday, July 7 vs. Atlanta Braves
First Pitch: 6:40 p.m.
Gates Open: 5:10 p.m.
Color Guard: Presented by Strawberry Crest High School JROTC
National Anthem: Performed by Shevonne Philador
In-Game Presentation: The Rays Baseball Foundation will present the Pinellas County Urban League with a partnership grant of $30,000.
Saturday, July 8 vs. Atlanta Braves
Healthcare Appreciation Day presented by Bayfront Health
First Pitch: 7:15 p.m.
Gates Open: 5:15 p.m.
Pregame Presentation: Raymond James will present a check to recipients of the Raymond James Community Impact Award recipients: Children’s Dream Fund, CASA, Glazer Children’s Museum, Academy Prep, and Great Explorations. Each recipient will receive $5k from Raymond James in recognition for their work in the community.
Color Guard: Presented by Tampa Fire Rescue Honor Guard
National Anthem: Performed by Monique McCall
50/50 Charity Raffle: $50,000 is the guaranteed minimum jackpot for the Rays Baseball Foundation 50/50 Charity Raffle on July 8. Fans can enter the raffle in the stadium or online at RaysBaseball.com/5050 starting the morning of the game. The winner will receive at least $25,000 with the potential to win much more. Fans who enter before first pitch receive two-for-one entries. Proceeds from the 50/50 charity raffle benefit the Rays Baseball Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization and the official charity of the Rays.
Sunday, July 9 vs. Atlanta Braves
- First Pitch: 1:40 p.m.
- Gates Open: 11:40 a.m.
- Promotion: Wade Boggs Can Cooler, presented by Bally Sports Sun. Available to all fans while supplies last.
- Pregame Presentation: Wade Boggs will be the second inductee into the new Rays Hall of Fame, following Don Zimmer, who was inducted posthumously earlier this season. A pregame ceremony will highlight Boggs’ impact on the game and as a Devil Ray.
- Color Guard: Presented by St. Petersburg Police Department Honor Guard
- National Anthem: Performed by Belinda Womack
- Ceremonial First Pitch: Thrown by Wade Boggs
- Wade Boggs Commemorative Ticket: Relive your experience with a commemorative ticket that includes your seat information and box score. When each digital ticket is opened, you’ll hear the broadcast call of Boggs’ historic 3,000 hit. Redeem your FREE commemorative digital ticket from Candy Digital and be automatically entered into a sweepstakes to win a Shane McClanahan autographed baseball or two tickets to a 2023 future Rays game!
Additional Homestand Notes
- Hit The Buds: If a Rays player hits a home run in center field by the Budweiser Porch, there will be a BOGO Budweiser and Bud Light special at the next Rays home game.
- Randy Land: For every Friday home game fans can purchase tickets for Randy Land in sections 141 or 143 for $49. Tickets include a Randy T-shirt. Additionally, if Randy hits a home run during the game, fans in Randy Land receive a free Budweiser, Bud Light, soda or water. To purchase tickets in Randy Land, go to RaysBaseball.com/Randyland.
- Papa John’s Rays 6 Promotion: When the Rays score six or more runs in a home or away game (win or lose), fans can receive 50 percent off their pizza order using code RAYS6 the next day at PapaJohns.com or the Papa John’s Official app.
- Kane’s Furniture 10K Promotion: When Rays pitchers strike out 10 batters during a home game, take your mobile ticket located in the MLB Ballpark app or a print-at-home voucher to any Kane’s Furniture store within five days and receive a coupon for one free taco, chips and medium fountain drink at participating area Tijuana Flats locations. Restrictions apply. For more information, visit KanesStrikeout.com.
- Budweiser Good Sport Designated Driver Program: Pledge to be a designated driver by abstaining from alcohol and signing up via the MLB Ballpark app. Provide your contact information, follow the confirmation link in your inbox and show at Gate 1 or Gate 3 Guest Services. Each fan who signs up will receive a small cup good for soda or water at Coca-Cola Refresh Stations. One winner each game will also receive a Rays hat.
- 50/50 Charity Raffle: This season, fans in the state of Florida can play the 50/50 Charity Raffle from home and in-person. Tickets can be obtained online at RaysBaseball.com/5050 and at Tropicana Field during home games. Proceeds from the 50/50 charity raffle benefit the Rays Baseball Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization and the official charity of the Rays.
- Rays Rookies Kids Club: The Rays Rookies Kids Club is back for the 2023 season. For $40, MVP members receive a free kids’ meal at every home game, 50 percent off tickets for select home games, a backpack, a snapback hat and Rays Rookies membership patch. Returning for the 2023 season is the Monthly Pin Series, access to exclusive events and experiences at Tropicana Field and priority access to Kids Run the Bases. For more information or to purchase a membership, visit RaysBaseball.com/RaysRookies.
- $10 Tickets: $10 Tickets are available for every Rays regular season home game. Seats are located within the Rays Party Deck (sections 341-355) or select areas of the Lower Level (sections 127-132 starting with Row PP). $10 Tickets are non-transferable, and barcodes will not be available until 2 hours prior to first pitch with a maximum of 6 tickets per game, per household.
- ShortStop at the Budweiser Porch: New to Tropicana Field this season, the ShortStop at the Budweiser Porch! Simply tap or scan your credit card or Rays Pay Wallet QR Code for entry, pick out your desired items, and exit to experience check-out free shopping. AI technology tracks the items you choose and charges you accordingly.
- In partnership with Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, Tropicana Field now has two Reverse Vending Machines in the ballpark that ensure a closed-loop recycling process. A Reverse Vending Machine can be found in both the first and third base food halls. For every empty bottle or can deposited into the machines, five cents will be donated to the Rays Baseball Foundation.
- Rays Autographs: Prior to every Sunday home game throughout the 2023 season, two Rays players will provide autographs for fans 14 & under. Autographs will be available from 12-12:30 and fans who wish to participate can line up beginning at section 120/122.