Rays open two-team, six-game homestand
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— The Tampa Bay Rays return to Tropicana Field on Tuesday for a two-team, six-game homestand between the Minnesota Twins (June 6-8) and Texas Rangers (June 9-11). The 2023 Rays season is presented by Bayfront Health.
*Tuesday, June 6 vs. Minnesota Twins *
First Pitch: 6:40 p.m.
Gates Open: 5:10 p.m.
National Anthem: Performed by American Stage
Ceremonial First Pitch: Thrown by Destin Wright
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 a part of the “Tuesday’s Champion” program, presented by RIPA & Associates. The Rays will host twelve-year-old Destin Wright from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. As part of his special day as a Tuesday’s Champion, Destin will meet Rays players and throw out a ceremonial first pitch. Destin loves gaming and spending time with his family.
In-Game Presentation: The Rays Baseball Foundation will present the Heart Gallery of Pinellas and Pasco with a partnership grant. Since 2008, the Rays Baseball Foundation has donated $72,000 to the Heart Gallery of Pinellas and Pasco, a program of Gulf Coast JFCS.
Wednesday, June 7 vs. Minnesota Twins
- First Pitch: 6:40 p.m.
- Gates Open: 5:10 p.m.
- Pre-Game Presentation: The Rays Baseball Foundation will present Calvary Christian High School senior Blake Opie with the Don Zimmer Memorial Scholarship. The $5,000 scholarship will go towards Blake’s enrollment at USF where he will continue his baseball career.
- National Anthem: Performed by Patrick Helm
- Ceremonial First Pitch: Thrown by Jack Drew
Thursday, June 8 vs. Minnesota Twins
- First Pitch: 1:10 p.m.
- Gates Open: 11:40 a.m.
- Color Guard: Presented by Eustis High School JROTC
- National Anthem: Performed by Katie Ducharme
- Ceremonial First Pitch: Thrown by Antonio Urbina
Friday, June 9 vs. Texas Rangers
First Pitch: 6:40 p.m.
Gates Open: 5:10 p.m.
Color Guard: Presented by Palm Harbor Fire Department
National Anthem: Performed by Lieutenant Nicholas Egtvedt
Pre-Game Presentation: The Tampa Bay Rays will celebrate Lou Gehrig Day at Tropicana Field. Rays Radio broadcaster Andy Freed will read Gehrig’s famous speech from the field alongside a fan living with ALS. A ceremonial check will also be presented to the ALS Association Florida Chapter.
Play Ball Weekend: As part of Major League Baseball’s Play Ball Weekend, the Rays will visit the City of St. Petersburg Parks & Recreation summer camp program at Campbell Park Recreation Center. Summer camp participants will take part in an instructional clinic, followed by a Papa John’s pizza party with Rays mascots.
Saturday, June 10 vs. Texas Rangers
First Pitch: 4:10 p.m.
Gates Open: 2:10 p.m.
Pride Day presented by Chevrolet
Color Guard: Presented by St. Petersburg Police Department
National Anthem: Performed by Shevonne Philidor
Ceremonial First Pitch: Thrown by Dale Scott; former MLB Umpire
In-Game Presentation: St. Pete Pride
Play Ball Weekend: As part of Major League Baseball’s Play Ball Weekend, the Rays will host the 3rd annual Rays Baseball Magic Clinic. Children from Buddy Baseball, a non-competitive recreational league serving children with unique abilities in the Tampa Bay community, will experience the magic of Rays baseball at Tropicana Field, alongside their buddies, parents, coaches and chaperones. Buddy Baseball players will take part in various stations throughout the clinic, concluding with a Papa John’s pizza party with Rays mascots.
Sunday, June 11 vs. Texas Rangers
- First Pitch: 1:40 p.m.
- Gates Open: 11:40 a.m.
- Promotion: Raymond Squishy presented by Bally Sports Sun. Available to all fans 14 & under while supplies last.
- Pre-Game Presentation: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay
- Color Guard: Presented by Citrus County All Veteran Honor Guard
- National Anthem: Performed by Katie Lombardo
- Ceremonial First Pitch: Thrown by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay’s Big Brother and Little Brother of the Year, Brian Metz and Angel Maye
- In-Game Presentation: Moffitt Salute to Survivor
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.
Lowe’s Home Runs for Hope: For every home run Rays infielder Brandon Lowe hits, he and his wife, Madison, donate $250 to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. The Rays Baseball Foundation also matches $250 per home run in support of Lowe’s “Home Runs for Hope” campaign. The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay provides a range of services to ensure that no one in the community has to face a crisis alone. It is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year as the community gateway to help. People who are struggling with a variety of crisis situations including sexual assault or abuse, domestic violence, financial distress, substance abuse, medical emergency, suicidal thoughts and other emotional or situational problems can connect to hope and healing.
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.
Ballpark Pass: For $49 a month, fans can gain standing-room only (SRO) access to every regular season home game. Pass holders can reserve up to 3 games at a time and new reservations will re-open as soon as a reserved game ends. Guest passes and seat upgrades will be available at an additional cost. Tickets are non-transferable and barcodes will not be available until 3 hours prior to first pitch.
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.