Major League presence highlights 2013 Fan Fest

ST. PETERSBURG, FL—The 2013 Tampa Bay Rays Fan Fest presented by MetroPCS is scheduled for Saturday, February 16 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Tropicana Field.  The event is also sponsored by Chevrolet, Sweetbay Supermarket and TradeWinds Island Resorts.  Admission and parking are free.

This year's event features an abundance of player and coach activities including include the Sagicor Life Insurance Coaches Clinics, "Reading with the Rays," running the bases, Sweetbay Supermarket High Five Station, interactive activities for all ages, and photo opportunities with Rays mascot Raymond and DJ Kitty.

Tickets to Rays Manager Joe Maddon's traditional Thanksmas meal during Fan Fest are still available.  All proceeds benefit the Rays Baseball Foundation.  Those attending this year's Thanksmas meal will also have a chance to partake in an exclusive question-and-answer session with Hall of Fame baseball writer and MLB Network analyst Peter Gammons.

The Rays will also use their social media accounts to give fans even more opportunities for team and player interaction and exclusive prizes throughout Fan Fest.  The team's main Twitter account, @RaysBaseball, will serve as a communication hub where fans can get up-to-date information on events happening throughout the day and answers to questions about Fan Fest.  Twitter users can also have their messages posted on the RaysVision video board at Tropicana Field by using the #RaysFanFest hashtag for all messages related to the event.

Fans can purchase wristbands for the general autograph lines for $50 which grants the opportunity to get autographs from Rays players.  Scheduled autograph times are below and are subject to change.  All proceeds benefit the ALS Association Florida Chapter.  Rays TV and radio broadcasters and more than 30 former major league players will also sign autographs for free throughout the day. Those Major League Baseball alumni scheduled to be in attendance include Jim Archer, Greg Blosser, Carl Boles, Lance Carter,  Mike DiFelice, Orestes Destrade, Mike Devereaux, Josh Fogg, Rich Folkers, Ken Fraling, John Frascatore, Wayne Garrett, Toby Hall, Bill Helper, Roberto Hernandez, Eric Knott, Darold Knowles, Ron LeFlore, Dick Lines, Buck Martinez, Andy McGaffigan, Bill Naharodny, Tom Niedenfuer, John O'Donohue, Gary Peters, Travis Phelps, Brian Reith, Bryan Rekar, Jason Romano, Richie Scheinbaum, Bob Stinson, Brian Stokes, Anthony Teleford, and Mark Whiten.

Rays ticket sales personnel will be available to assist fans throughout the day in the purchase of season tickets, group tickets and a special Fan Fest Ticket Pack.

The Fan Fest Ticket Pack includes tickets to the Rays Opening Day game versus the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday, April 2, and your choice of seven other games along with a coupon for 20 percent off an autograph wristband for access to the Fan Fest autograph lines.  Fan Fest Ticket Packs start at $105 and are on sale until 4 p.m. ET on Saturday on raysbaseball.com.

In addition, fans have the opportunity to purchase unique memorabilia dating back to the inaugural season from the Rays Charity Yard Sale. All proceeds benefit the Rays Baseball Foundation.

Fans are encouraged to stop by the MetroPCS Call-A-Friend station to have the opportunity for Rays players Jeremy Hellickson, Desmond Jennings, Matt Moore, or Sean Rodriguez to call a friend or family member. Fans will also have the chance to sit in on special panel discussions with MLB Network personalities Gammons and Sam Ryan, Rays broadcasters, players, and coaches, take a tour of the Rays clubhouse, and enjoy an MLB Alumni Wiffle Ball game including former Rays players.

Fans can call 888-FAN-RAYS or log on to raysbaseball.com for more information about the 2013 Rays Fan Fest.