Following a six-game American League East road trip to Boston and New York, the Tampa Bay Rays return to Tropicana Field for a three-team, eight-game homestand on Monday. The Rays first host a pair of AL East opponents, the Baltimore Orioles (April 25-27) and Toronto Blue Jays (April 29-May 1), for three games apiece. On May 3-4, they begin interleague play by hosting the Los Angeles Dodgers, who make their first visit to Tropicana Field since 2007. Tickets to these dates and all Rays home games can be purchased online at raysbaseball.com, at the Rays Tampa Store at 400 N. Tampa St., the Tropicana Field Box Office or by calling 888-FAN-RAYS.
When gates open prior to Saturday's 6:10 p.m. game against the Blue Jays, all fans will receive a Chris Archer K-Counter Bobblehead presented by Bright House Networks. The following day, Sunday, May 1, all kids 14 and under will receive a Pitch Grip Baseball presented by the Tampa Bay Times. All Rays promotional items are available while supplies last.
Rays Family Fun Days, presented by Tampa General Hospital, continue on Sunday, May 1 against the Toronto Blue Jays. Every Sunday home game this season features free parking for cars with four or more passengers and a variety of postgame activities for kids, including Kids Run the Bases and a DJ Kitty Dance Party featuring mascots and entertainers. For the third consecutive season, concourse activities are complimentary for kids 14 and under. Activities include the Grand Slam Alley, Power Alley Batting Cage, Speed Pitch, Raymond's Art Studio and Topps Make Your Own Baseball Card. Extra entertainers also perform on Sundays, including face painters, airbrush tattoo artists, magicians, caricaturists, stilt walkers, jugglers and balloon artists.
The Rays are also offering new weekday specials throughout the season including:
Monday-Military Monday, presented by the Tampa Bay Times: For all active-duty military, retired and honorably discharged veterans, the Rays will offer two free tickets for all Monday home games and eight additional bonus dates throughout the season. The Rays are also extending this courtesy to dependents of military personnel including any spouse, child or widow. Military affiliation will be verified through ID.me, a third-party MLB-approved verification service.
Tuesday-$2 Kids Ticket Tuesday, presented by Morgan Auto Group: For all Tuesday home games, tickets for kids 14 and under are $2 with the purchase of a full-priced adult ticket.
Wednesday-$2 Hot Dog Wednesday, presented by Kayem Franks: For all Wednesday home games, all-beef hot dogs and 24 oz. Pepsi product fountain drinks at concession stands are just $2 each.
Thursday-Senior Special, presented by Duke Energy: For all Thursday home games, Press Level tickets for fans 60 years of age or older are only $15.
Friday-Student Rush, presented by Papa John's: For all Friday home games, students (18 and over) with a valid high school or college ID can purchase lower level tickets for $15.
BUSEY TO THROW FIRST PITCH-Prior to Friday night's game vs. Toronto, actor Gary Busey is scheduled to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Busey will be in the Tampa-St. Petersburg area for the 11th annual Sunscreen Film Festival from April 28-May 1.
COMING UP AT THE REPUBLIC BANK DRAFT ROOM-On Tuesday, April 26, from 6:30-7:00 p.m., former Rays pitcher and current FOX Sports Sun analyst Doug Waechter will sign autographs in the Republic Bank Draft Room Season Ticket Club, the new, exclusive area for full season ticket holders which blends hospitality and comfort with behind-the-scenes access to Rays staff, players and coaches. On Saturday, April 30, fans will be able to take photographs with Kevin Kiermaier's 2015 Rawlings Platinum Glove Award and Gold Glove Award trophies. On Sunday, May 1, from 12:15-12:45 p.m., Rays pitcher Chase Whitley will visit the club. On Tuesday, May 3, from 6:30-7:00 p.m., former Rays relief pitcher Roberto Hernandez will be in the club to sign autographs.
GATES OPEN-Monday through Thursday, 1½ hours prior to game time; Friday through Sunday, two hours prior to game time.