Rays Return Home for Three Games vs. the Blue Jays followed by Weekend Series against the Tigers

ST. PETERSBURG, FL-Following a seven-game road trip visiting two of the American League East's top three teams, the Tampa Bay Rays return to Tropicana Field on Monday, June 24 to begin a three-game series against division opponent Toronto (June 24-26) before taking on Detroit in a three-game set over the weekend (June 28-30).

Prior to Tuesday's Rays-Blue Jays game at 7:10 p.m., NASCAR driver and Tampa native Aric Almirola will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Almirola drives the No. 43 Air Force race car for Richard Petty Motorsports and will drive in the upcoming July NASCAR race in Daytona on Saturday, July 6 at Daytona International Speedway.

In honor of Parks and Recreation Day at the ballpark on Wednesday, June 26, kids 14 and under will receive Rays Cheer Stix, while supplies last, when gates open for the 12:10 p.m. contest.

The weekend series vs. Detroit (June 28-30) begins on Friday with a 7:10 p.m. matchup. The series will feature the third Tampa Bay Times Ticket Tandem of the season. The Ticket Tandem includes a ticket to any of the three games in the series plus a special edition Historic Moment Canvas, only available through the offer. For Ticket Tandem details, visit raysbaseball.com/tandems.

In support of the ongoing commitment from Major League Baseball, its Clubs and the players to increase opportunities for youth participation in baseball and softball, the Tampa Bay Rays are teaming up with the Baseball Tomorrow Fund (BTF) to host an equipment collection drive during the Detroit series at Tropicana Field. From June 28-30, fans are invited to donate new and used equipment, which will benefit the MacDill Youth Sports.

Following the Rays-Tigers 7:15 p.m. game on Saturday, June 29, the Rays continue the 2013 Summer Concert Series with a performance by The Felice Brothers, a band that Rays Principal Owner Stuart Sternberg counts among his favorites.

In 2006, a close-knit group of two brothers and three longtime friends came together to form The Felice Brothers. All self-taught musicians, Ian and James Felice, along with Christmas Clapton and Greg Farley honed their skills playing at their family's Sunday barbecues and launched their musical career by performing in the New York City subway. The Felice Brothers, originally from Palenville, N.Y. in the Catskill Mountains, have released three full-length albums, most of which were recorded in a converted chicken coop in upstate New York. As Under the Radar Magazine wrote, The Felice Brothers find "inspiration and freedom rather than constraints in the traditions of folk music" and continue to delight and thrill their loyal following.

Prior to the Rays-Tigers game on Sunday, June 30 at 1:40 p.m., kids 14 and under will receive a Matt Joyce Race Car presented by the Crown Automotive Group, while supplies last.

TAMPA BAY TIMES FAMILY FUN DAY-Every Rays Sunday home game will feature free parking for cars with four or more passengers and a variety of activities for kids on the concourse, all now free courtesy of the Tampa Bay Times. Following the game on June 30, don't miss Kids Run the Bases after the game. Family Fun day will also include "Field of Wheels" giving kids the opportunity to see an array of different vehicles. Vehicles include police; fire and rescue; horse and carriage; motorcycles; and other forms of transportation.

TICKETS-Tickets for Rays 2013 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 through Sunday two hours prior to game time.