Rays return to Tropicana Field for final homestand

Following a six-game road trip, the Tampa Bay Rays return to Tropicana Field tonight to begin their final homestand of the season during which they will host the Miami Marlins (September 29-October 1) and the Toronto Blue Jays (October 2-4).

The homestand opens tonight with the first of three 7:10 p.m. games against the Marlins.

The Rays and Blue Jays then open the final series of the regular season on Friday at 7:10 p.m. When gates open at 5:10 p.m., all fans will receive a Rays Up for Our Community Bandana, while supplies last.

The annual Shirts Off Our Backs campaign, which supports Rays charitable outreach efforts throughout Tampa Bay, will also take place throughout the Rays-Blue Jays series. Volunteers will be on hand offering scratch-off cards in return for donations to the team charity. Prizes include 2016 single game tickets, concession stand and team store discounts and the big ticket prize, a chance to come on the field following the game on Sunday, October 4 and receive the shirt right off of a player's back.

When gates open prior to Saturday's 6:10 p.m. game, all fans will receive a Rays Oktoberfest Freezer Mug presented by GTE Financial, while supplies last.

During Saturday's pregame ceremonies, Rays third baseman Evan Longoria, his fiancée Jaime Edmondson and representatives from Pet Pal Animal Shelter will be on hand to present a $6,500 check to the no-kill shelter. The donation is a combination of the funds raised from the Rays Wives pet food drive and silent auction and Longoria's Home Runs for Pets campaign. With each home run he recorded this season, Longoria, Bright House Networks, Ducky's and the Rays have each contributed $25 to Pet Pal.

Saturday also marks the conclusion of Rays starting pitcher Chris Archer's season-long strikeout campaign. With each strike out he recorded this season, Archer, the Rays and 10 News have each donated $25 to Tampa RBI and Burg Baseball. Archer, who this year set the Rays franchise record for strikeouts in a season, will talk with players and coaches from both organizations and present them with checks for their portion of the campaign proceeds, an estimated $19,000 total.

Following the game, Grammy-nominated producer and DJ Steve Aoki will take the stage as the final act in the Rays 2015 Summer Concert Series. Fans can purchase wristbands for $15 for field access for the concert, while supplies last. Known for energetic live shows, Steve Aoki has collaborated with and remixed many artists and bands, including Linkin Park, Drake and will.i.am. Earlier this month, he was voted America's Best DJ by the DJ Times.

Prior to the game on Saturday, in conjunction with 93.3 FLZ and Disco Donnie, 10 local DJs will perform a short set in Lot 6. This Rays Electronic Music Festival will start at 2 p.m. Budweiser will be on hand with drink specials.

The homestand wraps up with Family Fun Day on Sunday, October 4 at 1:10 p.m. When gates open at 11:10 a.m., all kids 14 and under will receive a Raymond Halloween Mask, while supplies last.

FAMILY FUN DAY-Every Rays Sunday home game features free parking for cars with four or more passengers and a variety of free activities for kids on the concourse.

TICKETS-Tickets for Rays 2015 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, one-and-a-half hours prior to game time; Friday through Sunday, two hours prior to game time.