Rays Open the 2026 Season at Tropicana Field with a Two-Team, Six-Game Homestand

The Tampa Bay Rays will open the 2026 season at home on Monday, April 6 for a two-team, six-game homestand against the Chicago Cubs (April 6-8) and the New York Yankees (April 10-12). The Rays 2026 season is presented by Orlando Health.

Monday, April 6 vs. Chicago Cubs

• First Pitch: 4:10 p.m.
• Gates Open: 2:10 p.m.
• Color Guard: Presented by Petersburg Police Department
• National Anthem: Performed by singer-songwriter arena- and stadium-selling headliner Eric Church with American Sign Language by Michelle Pure
• Ceremonial First Pitch: Thrown by Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch
• Giveaway: Schedule Magnet presented by Orlando Health for the first 10,000 fans
• Pregame Presentation: The Rays will recognize the efforts of the Tropicana Field Repair team and Rays staff, who helped the Rays return home after 18 months. Participants and their guests will take part in a special flag unfurling ceremony that will highlight the strength and resiliency of the community during the rebuild. Pregame ceremonies begin after 3:30 p.m., so please be in your seats.

Tuesday, April 7 vs. Chicago Cubs

• First Pitch: 6:40 p.m.
• Gates Open: 5:10 p.m.
• Color Guard: Presented by Walter L. Sickles High School AFJROTC Color Guard
• National Anthem: Performed by Genessa Aliberti with ASL by Kama Clippard
• Ceremonial First Pitch: Thrown by Tuesday's Champion Julian
• Tuesday’s Champion: Before every Tuesday home game, the Rays recognize a child from Make-A-Wish Southern Florida or the Children’s Dream Fund as part of the Tuesday’s Champion program presented by RIPA. The Rays will host 17-year-old Julian from the Children’s Dream Fund. As part of Julian’s special day as Tuesday’s Champion, he will meet Rays players during batting practice and throw out the first pitch. Julian was diagnosed with gastrointestinal disease. He loves to play baseball, and his dream is to go to the 2026 World Series. His favorite Rays player growing up was Evan Longoria.

Wednesday, April 8 vs. Chicago Cubs

• First Pitch: 6:40 p.m.
• Gates Open: 5:10 p.m.
• Color Guard: Presented by Knights of Columbus Assembly 0163 Honor Guard
• National Anthem: Performed by Melanie Simpson with ASL by Rachel Moore

Friday, April 10 vs. New York Yankees

• First Pitch: 7:10 p.m.
• Gates Open: 5:40 p.m.
• Color Guard: Presented by Petersburg Fire Rescue Honor Guard
• National Anthem: Performed by Altea Ali with ASL by Nancy Russell
• Honorary First Pitch: Thrown by Owner of Westshore Pizza, Paul Samson
• Ceremonial First Pitch: Thrown by Founder & CEO of Aunt Flow, Claire Coder

Saturday, April 11 vs. New York Yankees

• First Pitch: 6:10 p.m.
• Gates Open: 4:10 p.m.
• Color Guard: Presented by Bloomingdale Senior High School JROTC Color Guard
• National Anthem: Performed by RanMusi with ASL by Tess Crowder
• Honorary First Pitch: Thrown by Major League Pickleball player and co-owner of the Florida Smash, Travis Rettenmaier. Rettenmaier is a former professional tennis player who has transitioned into one of the leading figures in Major League Pickleball (MLP). As a co-owner and player for the Florida Smash, Travis led his team to the finals in MLP’s inaugural event and continues to compete among the league’s top-ranked players. Now based in St. Petersburg, he also serves as a resident pro at St. Pete Athletic, playing a major role in growing the sport and investing in the local community.
• Ceremonial First Pitch: Thrown by Webull Tech US Chief Executive Officer, Jack Keating
• Ticket Package - Pickleball: Fans can purchase a special Pickleball Ticket Package that includes a limited-edition 32 oz. pickleball-themed tumbler. Fans can visit Gate 4 Plaza beginning at 4:30 p.m. to enjoy open pickleball play and interact with the pickleball professionals from Florida Smash. For more information, visit RaysBaseball.com/Pickleball.

Sunday, April 12 vs. New York Yankees

• First Pitch: 1:40 p.m.
• Gates Open: 11:40 a.m.
• Color Guard: Presented by Zephyrhills High School Army JROTC Color Guard
• National Anthem: Performed by Katie Lombardo with ASL by Jonathan Harris
• Postgame Presentation: Kids Run the Bases, presented by RIPA, will return this season where kids will have the opportunity to round the bases like the big leaguers after every Sunday home game. The DJ Kitty Dance Party will also return to the field this season. Kids should line up at the Gate 2 helix for Kids Run the Bases, and at the right field doors for the DJ Kitty Dance Party.

Additional Homestand Notes: 

• 2026 Season Memberships: Fans can secure their 2026 Rays Season Membership at Tropicana Field. Season Members will receive discounts on concessions and merchandise, a special bundle discount on Rays.TV, optimal seating locations, gift options, and a variety of additional exclusive benefits. Explore membership options by visiting RaysBaseball.com/SeasonMembership or speak with a Rays representative by calling 888-FAN-RAYS or emailing Tickets@RaysBaseball.com.
• 50/50 Charity Raffle: Support the Rays Up Foundation and win big from Tropicana Field or online while watching the game. With the Early Bird Special, fans receive 40 raffle tickets for $20; 400 tickets for $50; 998 tickets for $100; and 2,000 for $150 before first pitch. After first pitch, donation levels return to their standard amounts of 20 raffle tickets for $20, 200 for $50, 500 for $100 and 1,000 for $150). There is a guaranteed $50,000 jackpot at the Rays Home Opener on April 6. 50/50 Charity Raffle tickets can be obtained online via Rays5050.com or with an ambassador at the ballpark.
• Budweiser “First Bud”: Prior to select Friday games, the Rays and Budweiser will recognize a fan as our “First Bud” who will help start the game with the crack of a can and cheers to the crowd.
• Budweiser Responsibility Has Its Rewards Program: Fans can pledge to be a designated driver in the MLB Ballpark app by abstaining from alcohol. All fans that pledge on the Ballpark app will be entered to win a VIP experience at the end of the 2026 season.
• Clear Bag Policy: The Rays will continue a clear bag policy at Tropicana Field for the 2026 season. Only completely transparent PVC, plastic, or vinyl clear bags less than 12" x 6" x 12" will be accepted. Bags may have handles or straps, and should be a single compartment. Small, non-clear bags must not exceed 5" x 7" and must also be single compartment. Limit one bag per person. Any hard-sided bag, box, or case is prohibited. Exemptions include bags exclusively carrying necessary medical equipment, and diaper and infant bags when in the presence of a baby or toddler not exceeding 16" x 8" x 16".
• Colony Grill Hot Oil Homers: If the Rays hit a home run during a home game, fans can buy any pizza and get one free pizza with a “hot oil” topping at participating Colony Grill locations. Fans can redeem the offer within seven days by showing their game ticket on the Ballpark app in-store.
• Cownose Clubhouse: The Tampa Bay Rays announced the newly renovated “Cownose Clubhouse,” home to the seven cownose stingrays from The Florida Aquarium who weathered Hurricane Milton in October 2024. After the storm, the stingrays returned to The Florida Aquarium, then in January were at TECO's Manatee Viewing Center at Apollo Beach, before making their return to their permanent home at Tropicana Field ahead of the home opener. Rays mascots Raymond and Stinger joined Xochi and Tango from The Florida Aquarium for a special ribbon cutting ceremony. Located just behind the right-center field wall on the second floor and accessible via the Gate 1 elevator or staircase, the Cownose Clubhouse reopens for fans on April 6, offering the chance to touch the rays and learn more about them. Please note: the Cownose Clubhouse is open starting when fans are allowed inside the ballpark and will close briefly at the top of each hour for a 10-minute rest period to ensure the stingrays stay happy and healthy.
• Culver’s Curds in the Third: If the Rays score a run in the third inning, fans score free Culver’s Wisconsin Cheese Curds. The offer is valid the day after the game at any Tampa Bay Culver’s location with an online purchase using the Delicious Rewards App.
• Duke Energy Rays Win Program: For every Rays win, Duke Energy donates $1,000 to the Share the Light Fund, which brings customers and communities together to help individuals and families struggling to pay their energy bills. 
• Every Hit is a Win with Suncoast Credit Union: For every Rays hit, Suncoast Credit Union donates $79 to local nonprofits in honor of their 79 branches. To learn more about the program and vote on a deserving nonprofit organization, visit Suncoast.com/Rays.
• First One's On Us - April home games only: Fans who purchase a ticket to a home game during the month of April will see $10 in Burst Bucks per ticket added to their Rays Wallet in the Ballpark app through the First One’s On Us promotion. These Burst Bucks will be available beginning when gates open for fans and will expire five hours after the first pitch for each game. If tickets are forwarded, transferred, or resold, the $10 in Burst Bucks will be transferred with the ticket(s). As part of First One's On Us, the Rays will offer 12-oz. draft beers for $9.34 ($10 post-tax) so fans can buy a beer with their Burst Bucks. This applies to all draft beers and is available wherever draft beer is sold.
• Family Fundays: Kids will have the opportunity to round the bases like the big leaguers after every Sunday home game with Kids Run the Bases, presented by RIPA. DJ Kitty Dance Party will also return to the field this season. Kids should line up at the Gate 2 helix to run the bases, and at the right field doors for the DJ Kitty Dance Party.
• FlyUSA: FlyUSA joins the Tampa Bay Rays as the presenting partner of Rays Batting Practice, aligning its brand with one of the club’s signature pregame experiences. Fans attending batting practice will notice a fresh look for the Rays on-field batting cage, featuring FlyUSA branding, and will receive a cobranded Rays and FlyUSA lanyard with their batting practice pass upon arrival.
• Interactive Fan Areas: Gamify your batting practice at the Bat Around alcove, located at lower Gate 6. Head to lower Gate 2 to test your skills in the Speed Pitch alcove and see how your throw stacks up. Both games are free to all fans and operational from gates open through the middle of the 7th inning.
• Kane's Furniture 10K Promotion: The fan-favorite Kane’s Furniture 10-Strikeout promotion returns for the 2026 season featuring an exciting new prize through the Rays partnership with local entertainment staple, Busch Gardens. When Rays pitchers record 10 or more strikeouts at home, fans can visit com to redeem a voucher for a complimentary Busch Gardens ticket upon visiting any participating Kane’s Furniture location, turning dominant performances on the mound into unforgettable off-field adventures.
• Mascot Meet & Greet: Raymond & DJ Kitty will host a 30-minute meet and greet at the Rays Rookies alcove by Gate 1 immediately after gates open at every home game.
• Mascot Seat Visits: Mascot seat visits are now exclusively ordered through the “Request Raymond” page on the website. Fans are only able to order visits up until the first pitch of each game. For more information, please visit RaysBaseball.com/RequestRaymond.
• Mascot Race: On game day, tap the "Mascot Race" tile on the Tampa Bay Rays Team Tab in the Ballpark app to guess which mascot will win the race and get a shot at prizes. The mascot race is at the top of the 5th inning for all home games.
• MLB Ballpark app: Purchase, manage, and scan your mobile tickets, buy prepaid parking passes, find venue information, play interactive games and more from the Tampa Bay Rays Team Tab in the MLB Ballpark app.
• Mosaic Runs for Food: For every run scored by the Rays at home, Mosaic will donate $500 to provide meals to local seniors in need throughout the Tampa Bay area in the fight against food insecurity. 
• Nursing Room: A private, comfortable space for feeding infants is available on the 100 level behind home plate.
• Prepaid Parking: To expedite entry into parking lots, fans are encouraged to prepay for parking. See RaysBaseball.com/Parking for information. Lots for the 2026 Home Opener and all Saturday and Sunday games open three hours prior to first pitch. Lots for weekday games open two and a half hours prior to first pitch.
• Rays Hall of Fame Bar and Grill: The Rays Hall of Fame Bar and Grill in center field will feature familiar brewpub favorites in addition to some new BBQ-style items such as the Smokin' Rays BBQ Burger. The Rays Hall of Fame Bar and Grill will also include a lower level with table seating, a full-service bar, and games, and an upper level with another full-service bar, and an outdoor recreational patio with fan-favorite games. Fans can expect pregame specials and programmed events throughout the season at the Rays Hall of Fame Bar and Grill.
• Rays Rookies: Kids can sign up for MVP, All-Star, and Rookie memberships at the Rays Rookies Kids Club alcove located near Gate 1, through the Ballpark app, or online at Raysbaseball.com/RaysRookies. MVP Rays Rookies receive a free Raymond Kids Meal at every home game, 50% off tickets at select games, a Raymond bobblehead, and more. The Rays Rookies Kids Club is open through the end of the 5th inning Monday through Saturday, and through the end of the game on Sunday. The MVP and All-Star memberships are available for pickup only. The free Rookie membership is mail only. Pickup is not available.
• Rays Rush Tickets: Text RAYS to 42086 and never miss a deal with Rays Rush alerts. Be the first to know about exclusive offers and unbeatable value before every home series. Your inside access to the top deals at Tropicana Field starts here. Each account is limited to six Rays Rush tickets, which are non-transferable and cannot be resold. Please note: Barcodes are subject to delayed delivery and will be available in the Ballpark app two hours prior to first pitch. (Msg&Data rates may apply. STOP to cancel, HELP for info. 14msgs/wk. NPN.)
• Rays.TV presented by Union Home Mortgage: Rays.TV is the new Rays direct-to-consumer streaming platform, allowing in-market access to live Rays games with no local blackouts. No cable or satellite subscription needed; no contract required. Rays fans living within the Rays home television territory must purchase a Rays.TV subscription to stream Rays games. Please note that a select number of Rays games could be chosen to be broadcast exclusively on FOX, ESPN, or other national broadcast partners, and those games would not be available on Rays.TV. Rays.TV is also available through traditional cable, satellite and internet TV providers. For more information, visit RaysBaseball.com/Watch.
• Rolling Rays: The Rays are proud to provide a wheelchair transport service when needed. The Rolling Rays are available at all gates on a first-come, first-served basis. Wheelchair assistance is provided from the gate to your seat upon arrival and from your seat to the gate at the end of the game. Wheelchair transporters are not permitted to leave Tropicana Field to pick-up or deliver patrons outside of the gates. Wheelchairs are not available for rent or borrow for any portion of the game.
• Rums of Puerto Rico: As the Official Rum of the Tampa Bay Rays, Rums of Puerto Rico deepens its presence at Tropicana Field as the presenting partner of the club’s signature cocktail, the “Ballpark Mojito.” Fans can enjoy an elevated game-day experience with six featured brands from the Rums of Puerto Rico lineup—Don Q, Bacardi, Ron del Barrilito, Capó, Capicú, and Ron Coquí—available at bars throughout the ballpark, bringing a taste of the Rum Capital of the World, to every inning.
• Sensory Room: Designed in partnership with the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD), this calming space in Suite 45 offers a break for fans with sensory needs. Sensory bags are also available at Guest Services.
• Stolen Bases presented by Orlando Health Foundation – West Region: For each base stolen by Rays players at home this season, the organization donates $250 to the Orlando Health Foundation – West Region. During the five years of this initiative, the Rays have donated more than $100,000 to the Orlando Health Foundation, a nonprofit organization that raises crucial funds to sustain and enhance patient care services in our community.
• TD SYNNEX: With the first Rays double play of each home game, TD SYNNEX donates $250 to the Boys & Girls Clubs, a local nonprofit organization that supports and encourages youth to reach their full potential through mentorship, education, and various programs. TD SYNNEX is committed to supporting initiatives around the world that enhance the communities where it has a presence and focus on its pillars of children, wellness and the digital divide.
• Webull Fast Lane & Season Member Entrance: New this season, all Webull users with an open and funded Webull account can skip the lines at Rays home games by accessing the Webull Fast Lane at Gate 3. To use Fast Lane entry, sign up at Webull.com. Rays Season Members can also use the Gate 3 entrance by showing their Season Member card in the Rays Wallet.