Six-game homestand includes O.A.R. postgame concert; start of Rays Baseball Foundation 50/50 raffle; Senior Prom; and an evening with Carlos Peña

ST. PETERSBURG, FL-The Tampa Bay Rays begin a six-game homestand on Monday, August 20 with a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals (August 20-22) followed by a three-game set with the Oakland Athletics (August 23-25).

On Friday, August 24, O.A.R. will perform a concert following the Rays-Athletics game scheduled for 7:10 p.m. as part of the popular Rays Summer Concert Series.  Prior to the game Jerry DePizzo, the band's saxophonist will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.  O.A.R. released their seventh studio album, King, in August 2011.  It debuted at No. 12 on the Billboard charts, making it their highest debut to date.  Since forming the band in 1996, O.A.R. has remained true to the basic principles of song writing and performing live for masses of faithful fans dating back to their start at Ohio State University.  They've produced several studio hits including "That Was A Crazy Game of Poker," "Night Shift" and "Love and Memories," which was performed at the MLB All-Star Home Run Derby in 2006.  King has a strong act to follow as 2008's All Sides produced the band's first ever certified platinum single "Shattered" and earned them a spot on performing songwriters' list of the 100 Most Influential Independent Artists of the Past 15 Years.

This marks the fifth season of the Rays Summer Concert Series produced by Ruth Eckerd Hall on the Road.

Also on Friday, August 24, the first 10,000 fans will receive a free David Price collectible T-shirt presented by Tampa Bay Times.  Collectible T-shirts will be distributed throughout the season as part of Friday Fest presented by Captain Morgan.

Starting Monday, August 20 and running until the end of the regular season, the Rays Baseball Foundation will offer fans the opportunity to obtain 50/50 raffle tickets for a chance to win 50 percent of the total proceeds donated that day, while the other half will benefit the Rays Baseball Foundation.  No purchase or contribution necessary to enter or win.  A $2 donation per ticket is suggested.  Tickets can be obtained at Guest Services located near Gate 3 or from uniformed raffle ticket sellers around Tropicana Field.  Tickets are available from when gates open until the end of the sixth-inning.  For raffle rules and regulations, please visit raysbaseball.com/5050raffle.

On Wednesday, August 22, the Rays will host Senior Prom for Senior Citizens at Tropicana Field.  There will be prom themed activities during the day, including live entertainment throughout the ballpark.  For more information or to purchase special Senior discounted tickets, please call (727) 825-3293.

Following the Rays-Royals game on August 22, Rays first baseman Carlos Peña will host "An Evening with Carlos Peña" in the Cuesta Rey Bar at Tropicana Field.  Proceeds will benefit the Instituto Dominicano de Cardiologia, a cardiovascular clinic in a low-income area of Santo Domingo, D.R.  This event is sold out.

On Saturday, August 25, fans are encouraged to visit the Joe Niekro Foundation booth located in the concourse near section 110 in Tropicana Field.  The Joe Niekro Foundation raises awareness about aneurysm factors, causes, treatments and research, aiding aneurysm patients and their families.  There will be T-shirts for sale and major league alumni present signing autographs.  Proceeds will be split between the foundation and Tampa General Hospital.

TICKETS-Tickets for Rays 2012 regular season home games are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, the Rays Tampa Store (400 N. Tampa St.) and the Gate 1 Tropicana Field Box Office, as well as over the phone at 888-FAN-RAYS and 1-800-745-3000, or online at raysbaseball.com.

GATES OPEN-Monday through Thursday 1½ hours prior to game time; Friday and Saturday two hours prior to game time.