Undefeated Rays return for a two-team 7-game homestand

April 6th, 2023

UNDEFEATED RAYS RETURN FOR A TWO-TEAM, 7-GAME HOMESTAND

Team announces additional $10 tickets have been made available and Beer Specials for Weekend Oakland Series

  1. PETERSBURG, Fla.— The Tampa Bay Rays return to Tropicana Field tomorrow, after a six-game winning streak to start the season, the best start in franchise history. The two-team, seven-game homestand begins with the Oakland Athletics (April 7-9) and Boston Red Sox (April 10-13). The 2023 Rays season is presented by Bayfront Health. Fans can celebrate with new special offers this weekend, including thousands of additional $10 tickets in the lower level, and $6 Budweiser and Bud Lights available for purchase Friday – Sunday (at all locations Budweiser and Bud Lights are sold).

**Friday, April 7 vs. Oakland Athletics **

  • First Pitch: 6:40 p.m.
  • Gates Open: 5:10 p.m.
  • Color Guard: Presented by Lake Region High School Marine Corps JROTC
  • National Anthem: Performed by Michelle Marrocco
  • Rays First Pitch: Thrown by Season Member Mostyn Hummel
  • Ceremonial First Pitch: Thrown by Charlotte County Commissioners Chris Constance and Bill Truex
  • Pre-Game Presentation: Following the aftermath of the destruction caused by Hurricane Ian, the Rays committed $1 million dollars to recovery efforts for those impacted by Hurricane Ian by collaborating with community partners and nonprofit organizations with expertise in delivering aid. On April 7th the Boys & Girls Clubs of Charlotte County, the Charlotte Community Foundation, Charlotte County Government, Feeding Tampa Bay, Harry Chapin Food Bank, Team Rubicon, and the United Way of Charlotte County will be recognized for their tireless efforts to bring aid to those impacted.

Saturday, April 8 vs. Oakland Athletics

  • First Pitch: 4:10 p.m.
  • Gates Open: 2:10 p.m.
  • Color Guard: Presented by Heartland Christian Academy
  • National Anthem: Performed by No Lonely Hearts 

Sunday, April 9 vs. Oakland Athletics

  • First Pitch: 1:10 p.m.
  • Gates Open: 11:10 a.m.  
  • Color Guard: Presented by Sebring High School Air Force JROTC
  • National Anthem: Performed by Amanda Brievogel.

Monday, April 10 vs. Boston Red Sox

  • First Pitch: 6:40 p.m.
  • Gates Open: 5:10 p.m.
  • Color Guard: Presented by Clearwater Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol
  • National Anthem: Performed by Warrior Voices
  • Magic Monday: Buddy Baseball, a non-competitive recreational league serving the Tampa Bay community for boys and girls ages 8 to 22 with unique abilities will be joining the Rays players on the field for the National Anthem.

Tuesday, April 11 vs. Boston Red Sox

  • First Pitch: 6:40 p.m.
  • Gates Open: 5:10 p.m.
  • Color Guard: Presented by Gaither High School Navy JROTC
  • National Anthem: Performed by Josh Allen
  • Tuesday’s Champion: Before every Tuesday home game, the Rays recognize a child from the Make-A-Wish Foundation or the Children’s Dream Fund as a part of the “Tuesday’s Champion” program, presented by RIPA & Associates. The Rays will host seven-year-old Nathan Tormey from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. As part of his special day as a Tuesday’s Champion, Nathan will meet Rays players and coaches during batting practice and throw a ceremonial first pitch.

Wednesday, April 12 vs. Boston Red Sox

  • First Pitch: 6:40 p.m.
  • Gates Open: 5:10 p.m.
  • Color Guard: Presented by Lemon Bay High School Navy JROTC
  • National Anthem: Performed by Academy of the Holy Names

Thursday, April 13 vs. Boston Red Sox

  • First Pitch: 1:10 p.m.
  • Gates Open: 11:40 a.m.
  • Color Guard: Presented by Boca Ciega High School JROTC
  • National Anthem: Performed by Cox Media Group.

Additional Homestand Notes

  • In celebration of the Rays historic 6-0 start, the team has announced special promotions for their weekend series vs. OAK (April 7-9). Thousands of additional $10 tickets have been made available for purchase in the lower level (see more information on page 3). In addition, the Rays have partnered with Anheuser-Busch to make Budweiser and Bud Light available for $6 all weekend long. 
  • Lowe’s Home Runs for Hope: For every home run Rays infielder Brandon Lowe hits, he and his wife, Madison, donate $250 to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. The Rays Baseball Foundation also matches $250 per home run in support of Lowe’s “Home Runs for Hope” campaign. The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay provides a range of services to ensure that no one in the community has to face a crisis alone. It is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year as the community gateway to help. People who are struggling with a variety of crisis situations including sexual assault or abuse, domestic violence, financial distress, substance abuse, medical emergency, suicidal thoughts and other emotional or situational problems can connect to hope and healing. 
  • Papa John’s Rays 6 Promotion: When the Rays score six or more runs in a home or away game (win or lose), fans can receive 50 percent off their pizza order using code RAYS6 the next day at PapaJohns.com or the Papa John’s Official app.
  • Kane’s Furniture 10K Promotion: When Rays pitchers strike out 10 batters during a home game, take your mobile ticket located in the MLB Ballpark app or a print-at-home voucher to any Kane’s Furniture store within five days and receive a coupon for one free taco, chips and medium fountain drink at participating area Tijuana Flats locations. Restrictions apply. For more information, visit KanesStrikeout.com.          
  • Budweiser Good Sport Designated Driver Program: Pledge to be a designated driver by abstaining from alcohol and signing up via the MLB Ballpark app. Provide your contact information, follow the confirmation link in your inbox and show at Gate 1 or Gate 3 Guest Services. Each fan who signs up will receive a small cup good for soda or water at Coca-Cola Refresh Stations. One winner each game will also receive a Rays hat.
  • 50/50 Charity Raffle: This season fans in the state of Florida can play the 50/50 Charity Raffle from home and in-person. Tickets can be obtained online at rays5050.com and at Tropicana Field during Rays home games. New this year, the 50/50 Charity Raffle will be open during Rays road games. Fans can acquire these tickets online for the first game of each series. Fans who obtain their raffle tickets prior to first pitch will receive twice the number of entries for their donation. Proceeds from the 50/50 charity raffle benefit the Rays Baseball Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization and the official charity of the Rays.
  • Rays Rookies Kids Club: The Rays Rookies Kids Club is back for the 2023 season. For $40, MVP members receive a free kids meal at every home game, 50 percent off tickets for select home games, a backpack, a snapback hat and Rays Rookies membership patch. Returning for the 2023 season is the Monthly Pin Series, access to exclusive events and experiences at Tropicana Field and priority access to Kids Run the Bases. For more information or to purchase a membership, visit RaysBaseball.com/RaysRookies.
  • $10 Tickets: $10 Tickets are available for every Rays regular season home game. Seats are located within the Rays Party Deck (sections 341-355) or select areas of the Lower Level (sections 127-132 starting with Row PP). For the weekend series vs. OAK (April 7-9), thousands of additional $10 tickets have been made available for purchase in the Lower Level. $10 Tickets are non-transferable and barcodes will not be available until 2 hours prior to first pitch with a maximum of 6 tickets per game, per household.
  • Ballpark Pass: For $49 a month or $249 for the season, fans can gain standing-room only (SRO) access to every regular season home game. Pass holders can reserve up to 3 games at a time and new reservations will re-open as soon as a reserved game ends. Guest passes and seat upgrades will be available at an additional cost. Tickets are non-transferable and barcodes will not be available until 3 hours prior to first pitch.
  • ShortStop at the Budweiser Porch: New to Tropicana Field this season, the ShortStop at the Budweiser Porch! Simply tap or scan your credit card or Rays Pay Wallet QR Code for entry, pick out your desired items, and exit to experience check-out free shopping. AI technology tracks the items you choose and charges you accordingly.

In partnership with Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, Tropicana Field will have two reverse vending machines that guarantee a closed loop recycling process located in each food hall. For every bottle or can deposited, 5 cents will be donated to the Rays Baseball Foundation.