Rays welcome Yankees for four-game series followed by three-game set with Twins

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.- Following a 10-day, nine-game road trip, the Tampa Bay Rays return to Tropicana Field to host American League East foe the New York Yankees (April 17-20) in a four-game weekend series before a three-game set against the Minnesota Twins (April 22-24).

The Rays and Yankees will meet for the first time this season on Thursday, April 17 at 7:10 p.m. Thursday also serves as Italian Heritage Night at Tropicana Field with more information available at raysbaseball.com/specialevents.

In order to receive a special edition Evan Longoria T-shirt, fans must purchase a Tampa Bay Times Ticket Tandem for Friday's 7:10 p.m. game against the Yankees. A Ticket Tandem includes a ticket to Friday's game plus the Longoria T-shirt and is only available through this offer. This package may not be combined with any other offer. For Ticket Tandem details, visit raysbaseball.com/tandems.

Sunday's 1:40 p.m. game against the Yankees marks the return of Tampa Bay Times Family Fun Day. Kids 14 and under will receive a Joe Maddon Hoodie Drawstring Bag, presented by Chevrolet, while supplies last.

The Rays and visiting Twins are set to open a three-game set on Tuesday, April 22 at 7:10 p.m.

To celebrate Earth Day, fans can purchase a discounted seat in the lower level and receive a recyclable Tampa Bay Rays Earth Day tote bag. Proceeds of each Earth Day ticket will support Tampa Bay Watch and the Break A Bat, Plant A Ball program. For more information and to purchase a special Earth Day ticket, visit raysbaseball.com/specialevents.

Wednesday's 7:10 p.m. game against the Twins is also Bollywood Night. For more information, visit raysbaseball.com/specialevents. Bollywood star Shahid Kapoor is scheduled to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Kapoor has appeared in dozens of Hindi cinema films, earning two Filmfare Award nominations for Best Actor.

The Rays and Kauffman Tire are teaming up again this season for the 4 Bagger Promotion. If a Rays player hits a home run in the fourth inning, fans can go to one of seven area Kauffman Tire locations to receive $144 off a set of four new tires the next business day (Kauffman Tire is closed on Sundays).

Additionally, when the Rays score six or more runs (home or away) Rays fans can receive 50-percent off their entire online order the following day at PapaJohns.com with the Rays6 promotional code. This offer is valid online at participating Papa John's locations in the Tampa Bay and Central Florida markets. When Rays pitchers strike out 10 batters during a home game, fans can also take their ticket stub or seat locator receipt to any Kane's Furniture store within seven days and receive a coupon for a free Papa John's pizza (limit one free pizza coupon per ticket).

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. Postgame Sunday will also feature Kids Run the Bases and the DJ Kitty Kids Party.

TICKETS-Tickets for Rays 2014 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.