Rays Return to Tropicana Field for a Two-Team, Six-Game Homestand Against the Padres and Mets

August 28th, 2026

The Tampa Bay Rays return home to Tropicana Field on Friday, Aug. 28 for a two-team, six-game homestand against the San Diego Padres (Aug. 28-30) and New York Mets (Aug. 31-Sept. 2). The Rays 2026 season is presented by Orlando Health. 

Friday, Aug. 28 vs. San Diego Padres

  • First Pitch: 7:10 p.m.
  • Gates Open: 5:40 p.m.
  • Color Guard: Presented by Booker High School Army JROTC
  • National Anthem: Performed by Regional Director of Central West Florida for Publix Super Markets Patrick Helm with American Sign Language by Terri Pendleton
  • Honorary First Pitch: Thrown by the Regional Director for West Florida Publix Super Markets Kevin Donlan
  • Ceremonial First Pitch: Thrown by Utah Talons outfielder and 2026 Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) Champion Aliyah Andrews
  • Pregame Presentation: The Community Fund Grant Program through the Rays Up Foundation provides assistance to local nonprofits in the Tampa Bay region. These grants help enhance and support current programs offered by community-based nonprofit organizations. The foundation will present 20 local nonprofit organizations with a check for $5,000 each. Through the Community Fund Grant Program, the foundation has invested more than $2.4 million to more than 450 local nonprofits.
  • Ticket Package - SpongeBob SquarePants: Fans can purchase a SpongeBob SquarePants ticket package that includes a seat to the game and a SpongeBob SquarePants snapback hat. For more information or to purchase, visit RaysBaseball.com/SpongeBob.
  • Salute to Service: Military members, first responders, and teachers are eligible to receive a 20% discount on up to four tickets to Friday’s game. For more information or to sign up to receive notification of these offers, visit RaysBaseball.com/Salute.
  • Student Tickets: College students enrolled in a two- or four-year college or university are eligible to receive up to four $16 Lower Reserved or Outfield tickets to Friday’s game. For more information or to sign up to receive notification of these offers, visit RaysBaseball.com/Student.

Saturday, Aug. 29 vs. San Diego Padres

  • First Pitch: 4:10 p.m.
  • Gates Open: 2:10 p.m.
  • Color Guard: Presented by Lake Region High School Marine Corps JROTC
  • National Anthem: Performed by Vanessa Ruiz with ASL by Lauren Chisholm
  • Honorary First Pitch: Thrown by Executive Director of Software Engineering at JPMorgan Chase Hari Sangaraju
  • Ceremonial First Pitch: Thrown by the 2026 Pinellas County Baseball Coach of the Year Stefan Futch
  • Giveaway: Devil Rays Windbreaker presented by Orlando Health for the first 10,000 fans
  • Pregame Presentation: The Rays Up Foundation will present Feeding Tampa Bay with a grant. The Rays have partnered with the organization since 2011 and have donated more than $950,000 in grants. Feeding Tampa Bay serves families across 10 counties in West Central Florida, offering food, support, and resources through four community locations.
  • Upper Deck: The Upper Deck at Tropicana Field will be open on Saturday, Aug. 29 for the game against the San Diego Padres. To learn more or to purchase tickets, visit RaysBaseball.com/Tickets.
  • Salute to Service: Military members, first responders, and teachers are eligible to receive a 20% discount on up to four tickets to Saturday’s game. For more information or to sign up to receive notification of these offers, visit RaysBaseball.com/Salute.

Sunday, Aug. 30 vs. San Diego Padres

  • First Pitch: 1:40 p.m.
  • Gates Open: 11:40 a.m.
  • Color Guard: Presented by Venice Middle School Young Marines
  • National Anthem: Performed by Florida State University student Megan Wertz with ASL by Michelle Pure
  • Honorary First Pitch: Thrown by professional beach volleyball player and Florida State University volleyball alumna Maddie Anderson 
  • Ceremonial First Pitch: Thrown by the President of the Tampa Bay Seminole Club Maddi McLeland 
  • Ceremonial First Pitch: Thrown by Commanding Officer for U.S. Marine Corps Recruiting Station Tampa U.S. Marine Corps Maj. William M. Watson 
  • Pregame Presentation: The Rays will recognize pitcher Ryan Pepiot as the team’s nominee for the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award on behalf of the Live Like Lou Foundation. Pepiot will be joined on the field by Elio “Neyson” Cestero. Cestero is a passionate Rays fan, athlete, coach, and mentor living with ALS. 
  • Ticket Package - Florida State University Day: Fans can purchase a Florida State University ticket package that includes a seat to the game and an FSU hoodie. Fans can also join the FSU pregame party in the Rays Hall of Fame Bar and Grill, beginning when gates open. For more information or to purchase, visit RaysBaseball.com/FSU.
  • Ticket Package - RMS Mystery Squishy Dumpling: Fans can purchase a RMS Mystery  Squishy Dumpling ticket package that includes a seat to the game and a mystery blue, white, yellow, or rare City Connect squishy dumpling. Note: This item will be available for pickup by the Bat Around activation near lower Gate 6. For more information or to purchase, visit RaysBaseball.com/Dumpling.
  • In-Game Presentation: The Rays Up Foundation will present Tampa Bay Watch with a grant. The Rays have partnered with the organization since 2009 and have donated more than $320,000 in grants. Tampa Bay Watch is dedicated to fostering a healthy Tampa Bay watershed through community-driven restoration projects, education programs, and outreach initiatives. 
  • Family Fundays: Before Sunday home games, children 14 and under can enjoy kid-friendly entertainment, as well as the opportunity to meet Rays players and receive autographs along the first-base line near Sections 120/122, 85 minutes before first pitch. After every Sunday home game, kids can hustle like the big leaguers with Kids Run the Bases, presented by RIPA and enjoy the DJ Kitty Dance Party in the outfield. Families should line up at the Gate 2 helix for Kids Run the Bases, and at the left field doors for the DJ Kitty Dance Party.
  • Salute to Service: Military members, first responders, and teachers are eligible to receive a 20% discount on up to four tickets to Sunday’s game. For more information or to sign up to receive notification of these offers, visit RaysBaseball.com/Salute.

Monday Aug. 31 vs. New York Mets

  • First Pitch: 6:40 p.m.
  • Gates Open: 5:10 p.m.
  • Color Guard: Presented by Eustis High School Air Force JROTC
  • National Anthem: Performed by musician Colby Coldiron with ASL by Kama Clippard
  • Honorary First Pitch:  Thrown by Webull Head of Marketing Feng Yang
  • Ceremonial First Pitch: Thrown by Webull Group President and U.S. Chief Executive Officer Anthony Denier
  • Pregame Presentation: The Rays Up Foundation will present Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay with a grant. The Rays have partnered with the organization since 2009 and have donated more than $1,000,000 in grants. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. 
  • Magic Mondays presented by Union Home Mortgage: Every Monday home game, the Tampa Bay Rays recognize local baseball leagues for adults and youth with unique abilities as part of the Magic Mondays program presented by Union Home Mortgage. Players from Buddy Baseball will watch batting practice and create a high-five tunnel as Rays players take the field. 
  • Golden Rays Senior Tickets: Fans 60 years and older are eligible to receive a 30% discount on up to four Lower Reserved tickets to Monday’s game. For more information or to sign up to receive notification of these offers, visit RaysBaseball.com/GoldenRays.
  • Student Tickets: College students enrolled in a two- or four-year college or university are eligible to receive up to four $12 Lower Reserved tickets to Monday’s game. For more information or to sign up to receive notification of these offers, visit RaysBaseball.com/Student. 
  • Webull Day at the Ballpark: Fans will have the opportunity to take home a one-of-a-kind Rays x Webull New Era hat at the special Webull pop-up outside the Bay Republic Team Store at Gate 1. Fans can receive a complimentary hat and personalize it with custom patches for $5 each, available while supplies last. 

Tuesday, Sept. 1 vs. New York Mets

  • First Pitch: 6:40 p.m.
  • Gates Open: 5:10 p.m.
  • Color Guard: Presented by United States Special Operations Command 
  • National Anthem: Performed by artist, singer-songwriter, producer, actress, and model Shevonne Philidor with ASL by retired U.S. Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Kat Atwood
  • Honorary First Pitch: Thrown by U.S. Magistrate Judge, the Honorable Natalie Adams. Prior to her appointment in December 2023, Adams served as a partner at two national law firms and worked for a decade as an assistant U.S. attorney prosecuting violent and organized crime. As a prosecutor, she received the Attorney General's Award for Distinguished Service, the second-highest civilian honor bestowed by the Department of Justice.
  • Ceremonial First Pitch: Thrown by Tuesday’s Champion Emersyn
  • Pregame Presentation - Naturalization Ceremony: As part of the federal courts' annual celebration of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, U.S. Magistrate Judge Natalie Adams will administer the Oath of Allegiance to 50 new United States citizens.
  • Pregame Presentation - Folds of Honor: Folds of Honor, in partnership with Budweiser, supplies scholarships to spouses and children of fallen and disabled veterans along with first responders to bridge the education gap for those impacted by service-related sacrifice. During the pregame ceremonies, Budweiser will present a $20,000 scholarship to siblings Megan Lynn Ayo and Ethan John Ayo, whose father, retired Gunnery Sergeant John Elliot Ayo, served in the Marine Corps for over 20 years.
  • Tuesday’s Champion: Before every Tuesday home game, the Rays recognize a child or young adult from Make-A-Wish Southern Florida or the Children’s Dream Fund as part of the Tuesday’s Champion program presented by RIPA. The Rays will host 5-year-old Emersyn from Make-A-Wish Southern Florida. As part of Emersyn’s special day as Tuesday’s Champion, she will meet Rays players during batting practice and throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Emersyn was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy. She enjoys cheerleading, playing outside, crafting, and spending time with her family. Her wish is to do all things Disney. Her favorite Rays players are Shane McClanahan and Junior Caminero.
  • In-Game Presentation: The Rays Up Foundation will present Ronald McDonald House Tampa Bay with a grant. The Rays have partnered with the organization since 2008 and have donated more than $320,000 in grants. Ronald McDonald House Tampa Bay provides essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare. 
  • Golden Rays Senior Tickets: Fans 60 years and older are eligible to receive a 30% discount on up to four Lower Reserved tickets to Tuesday’s game. For more information or to sign up to receive notification of these offers, visit RaysBaseball.com/GoldenRays.
  • Salute to Service: Military members, first responders, and teachers are eligible to receive two complimentary tickets to Tuesday’s game. For more information or to sign up to receive notification of these offers, visit RaysBaseball.com/Salute.
  • Student Tickets: College students enrolled in a two- or four-year college or university are eligible to receive up to four $12 Lower Reserved tickets to Tuesday’s game. For more information or to sign up to receive notification of these offers, visit RaysBaseball.com/Student. 

Wednesday, Sept. 2 vs. New York Mets

  • First Pitch: 6:40 p.m.
  • Gates Open: 5:10 p.m.
  • Color Guard: Presented by Lennard High School Army JROTC
  • National Anthem: Performed by Sadie Gubenko featuring ASL by Grayson Gonzalez
  • Honorary First Pitch: Thrown by the son of Season Member Damian Kondrostas, Jake 
  • Pregame Presentation: The Mosaic Company and the Tampa Bay Rays teamed up to fight food insecurity across Tampa Bay communities through the Runs for Food partnership. As part of this partnership, Mosaic donates $500 for every run scored by a Rays player at home to local Meals on Wheels organizations, including Meals on Wheels of Tampa, Meals on Wheels of Polk County, Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, and NU – HOPE Elder Care Services in Hardee County. These organizations provide meals to individuals, primarily senior citizens, who have difficulty accessing or preparing their own meals. The Rays and The Mosaic Company will present a check to representatives of these organizations. 
  • Ticket Package - St. Petersburg College Night: Fans can purchase a St. Petersburg College ticket package that includes a seat to the game and an SPC hoodie. Fans can also join the SPC pregame party in the Rays Hall of Fame Bar and Grill, beginning when gates open. For more information or to purchase, visit RaysBaseball.com/SPC.
  • Golden Rays Senior Tickets: Fans 60 years and older are eligible to receive a 30% discount on up to four Lower Reserved tickets to Wednesday’s game. For more information or to sign up to receive notification of these offers, visit RaysBaseball.com/GoldenRays

Additional Homestand Notes: 

  • 2027 Season Memberships: Fans can now secure 2027 Rays Season Memberships. Season Members receive discounts on concessions and merchandise, as well on Rays.TV subscriptions, optimal seating locations, gift options, and a variety of additional exclusive benefits. Explore membership options at RaysBaseball.com/SeasonMembership or connect with a Rays representative at 888-FAN-RAYS or Tickets@RaysBaseball.com. 
  • 50/50 Charity Raffle: Support the Rays Up Foundation and win big from Tropicana Field or online while watching the game. With the Early Bird Special before first pitch, fans receive 40 raffle tickets for $20; 400 tickets for $50; 998 tickets for $100; and 2,000 for $150. After the game starts, donation levels return to their standard amounts of 20 raffle tickets for $20, 200 for $50, 500 for $100 and 1,000 for $150. Fans can enter the 50/50 Charity Raffle online via Rays5050.com or with an ambassador at the ballpark.
  • Budweiser First Bud Program: Prior to select games, the Rays and Budweiser recognize a selected fan as our “First Bud” who helps to start the game with the crack of a can and cheers to the crowd.
  • Budweiser Responsibility Has Its Rewards Program: Fans can pledge to be a designated driver in the Ballpark app by abstaining from alcohol. All fans who pledge on the Ballpark app are entered to win a VIP experience at the end of the 2026 season.
  • Clear-Bag Policy: The Rays clear-bag policy continues at Tropicana Field for the 2026 season. Only completely transparent PVC, plastic, or vinyl clear bags less than 12" x 6" x 12" are permitted. Bags may have handles or straps and should contain only a single compartment. Small, non-clear bags must not exceed 5" x 7" and must also be single compartment. Limit one bag per person. Any hard-sided bag, box, or case is prohibited from being brought into the ballpark. Exemptions include bags exclusively carrying necessary medical equipment, and diaper and infant bags in the presence of a baby or toddler, not exceeding 16" x 8" x 16.”
  • Colony Grill Hot Oil Homers: If the Rays hit a home run during a home game, fans can buy any pizza and get one free pizza with a “hot oil” topping at participating Colony Grill locations. Fans can redeem the offer within seven days by showing their game tickets on the Ballpark app in-store. 
  • Cownose Clubhouse: The renovated “Cownose Clubhouse,” is home to 10 cownose rays from The Florida Aquarium, including some who weathered Hurricane Milton in October 2024. Located just behind the right-center field wall on the second floor and accessible via the Gate 1 elevator or staircase, the Cownose Clubhouse offers the chance to touch the rays and learn more about them. Please note: the Cownose Clubhouse opens when gates open until the top of the ninth inning. The Cownose Clubhouse closes at the top of each hour for a 10-minute rest period to ensure the rays stay happy and healthy. Culver’s Curds in the Third: If the Rays score a run in the third inning, fans score free Culver’s Wisconsin Cheese Curds. The offer is valid the day after the game at any Tampa Bay Culver’s location with an online purchase using the Delicious Rewards App.
  • Duke Energy Rays Win Program: For every Rays win, Duke Energy donates $1,000 to the Share the Light Fund, which brings customers and communities together to help individuals and families struggling to pay their energy bills.
  • Every Hit is a Win with Suncoast Credit Union: For every Rays hit, Suncoast Credit Union donates $79 to local nonprofits in honor of their 79 branches. To learn more about the program and to vote on a deserving nonprofit organization to receive the funds, visit Suncoast.com/Rays.  
  • Family Fundays: Before Sunday home games, children 14 and under can enjoy kid-friendly entertainment, as well as the opportunity to meet Rays players and receive autographs along the first-base line near sections 120/122, 85 minutes before first pitch. After every Sunday home game, kids can hustle like the big leaguers with Kids Run the Bases, presented by RIPA and enjoy the DJ Kitty Dance Party in the outfield. Families should line up at the Gate 2 helix for Kids Run the Bases, and at the left field doors for the DJ Kitty Dance Party.
  • FlyUSA: FlyUSA is the presenting partner of Rays Batting Practice. Fans attending batting practice will receive a cobranded Rays and FlyUSA lanyard with their batting practice pass upon arrival.
  • Go-Ahead Entry: Go-Ahead Entry allows fans to enter the ballpark hands-free by walking through designated lanes, bypassing traditional ticket lines. Fans can register in the Ballpark app by taking a selfie to securely link their face with their tickets. The technology then uses cameras to identify fans and scan their tickets for entry. Fans must be 18 years of age or older to opt-in. For more information, visit RaysBaseball.com/GoAheadEntry.  
  • Inside Pitch: Fans can learn about their favorite Rays players, keep score, and more with Inside Pitch, the Official Publication of the Tampa Bay Rays. Fans can pick up the final issue of Inside Pitch, featuring Rays pitcher Bryan Baker, upon entry at Tropicana Field, access a digital copy on the Rays tab in the Ballpark app, or visit RaysBaseball.com/InsidePitch to read each issue online as it is released.
  • Interactive Fan Areas: Gamify your batting practice at the Bat Around alcove at lower Gate 6. Head to lower Gate 2 to test your skills in the Speed Pitch alcove, and see how your throw stacks up. Both games are free for all fans and operational from the time that gates open through the middle of the 7th inning. 
  • Left Field Alcoves: The Left Field historical alcoves return to Tropicana Field for the 2026 season. Memorabilia, documents and photographs celebrate topics including Chasing Pennants, Tampa Bay Baseball History, Longo’s Legacy, and Rays Gaming. The displays are behind left field on the field level concourse. 
  • Listen Live in the MLB Ballpark App: Fans can select the “Rays Radio” icon in the Ballpark app while at Tropicana Field to utilize ProWire, a service that offers radio broadcasts with no delay.
  • Mascot Meet & Greet: Raymond and DJ Kitty host a 30-minute meet and greet at the Rays Rookies alcove near Gate 1 immediately after gates open at every home game.
  • Mascot Seat Visits: Fans can order mascot seat visits up until the first pitch of each game at the “Request Raymond” page on the team’s website. Visit RaysBaseball.com/RequestRaymond. 
  • Mascot Race: On game day, tap the "Mascot Race" tile on the Rays tab in the Ballpark app to guess which mascot will win the race, and get a shot at prizes. The mascot race is at the top of the fifth inning during all home games.
  • MLB Ballpark App: Purchase, manage, and scan your mobile tickets, buy prepaid parking passes, find venue information, play interactive games, and more from the Rays tab in the Ballpark app. 
  • Mosaic Runs for Food: For every run scored by the Rays at home, The Mosaic Company donates $500 to provide meals to local seniors in need throughout the Tampa Bay area in the fight against food insecurity.
  • Nursing Room: A private, comfortable space for feeding infants and babies is available on the 100 level behind home plate.
  • On-Field Pregame Experience: Kids can join the Rays on-field for a pregame experience. Before Monday through Saturday home games, children 14 and under can visit the Rays Rookies alcove near Gate 1 to pick up an on-field pregame experience badge, while supplies last, for the opportunity to step onto the field 35 minutes before first pitch.
  • Prepaid Parking: To expedite entry into parking lots, fans are encouraged to prepay for parking. See RaysBaseball.com/Parking for information. Parking lots for all Saturday and Sunday games open three hours prior to first pitch. Lots for weekday games open two and a half hours prior to first pitch.
  • Rays Hall of Fame Bar and Grill: The Rays Hall of Fame Bar and Grill, on the concourse behind center field, features familiar brewpub favorites and new BBQ-style menu items, such as the Smokin' Rays BBQ Burger. The restaurant is also home to the Inside Pitch Player’s Plate, a rotating menu option inspired by players' favorite foods. Fans can find the current highlighted meal, The Fortes Full Count Breakfast Burrito, inspired by Rays catcher Nick Fortes, on page 17 in the Official Publication of the Tampa Bay Rays, Inside Pitch. The Rays Hall of Fame Bar and Grill offers table seating and a full-service bar on the lower level, and an outdoor recreational patio with fan-favorite games and a second bar upstairs. Look for pregame specials and programmed events here throughout the season.
  • Rays Rookies: The Rays Rookies alcove is open through the end of the fifth inning at Monday through Saturday home games, and through the end of the game at Sunday home games. Rays Rookies Kids Club memberships are sold out for the 2026 season.
  • Rays Rush Tickets: Text RAYS to 42086 and never miss a deal with Rays Rush alerts. Be the first to know about exclusive offers and unbeatable value before every home series. Your inside access to the top deals at Tropicana Field starts here. Each account is limited to six Rays Rush tickets per game. Rays Rush tickets are non-transferable and cannot be resold. Barcodes are subject to delayed delivery and are available in the Ballpark app two hours prior to first pitch for each game. (Msg&Data rates may apply. STOP to cancel, HELP for info. 14msgs/wk. NPN.) 
  • Rays.TV presented by Union Home Mortgage: Rays.TV is the new direct-to-consumer streaming platform, allowing in-market access to live Rays games with no local blackouts. Rays fans living within the Rays home television territory can purchase a Rays.TV subscription to stream Rays games. Game broadcasts on Rays.TV are also available through traditional cable, satellite, and internet TV providers. More information and a guide for finding ways to watch are available at RaysBaseball.com/Watch. Please note that a select number of Rays games may be chosen for exclusive broadcast on FOX, ESPN, or other national broadcast partners. In that case, those games would only be available on the selecting network and not on Rays.TV.
  • Rolling Rays: The Rolling Rays wheelchair transport service is available at all gates on a first-come, first-served basis and takes fans from the gate to their seats upon arrival, and from their seats back to the gate at the end of the game. Wheelchair transporters cannot leave the ballpark to pick up or deliver patrons outside of the building’s gates. Wheelchairs are not available for rent or to borrow for any portion of the game.
  • Round Up for the Rays Up Foundation: Fans have the opportunity to round up their transaction to the nearest dollar when ordering at concessions stands throughout Tropicana Field. The funds raised are reinvested into our community, through grants, scholarships, and programming. 
  • Rums of Puerto Rico: As the Official Rum of the Tampa Bay Rays, Rums of Puerto Rico deepens its presence at Tropicana Field as the presenting partner of the club’s signature cocktail, the “Ballpark Mojito.” Fans can enjoy an elevated gameday experience with six featured brands from the Rums of Puerto Rico lineup: Don Q, Bacardi, Ron del Barrilito, Capó, Capicú, and Ron Coquí. Rums of Puerto Rico are available at bars throughout the ballpark, bringing a taste of the Rum Capital of the World to every inning.
  • Sensory Room: Designed in partnership with the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD), this calming space in Suite 45 offers a break for fans with sensory needs. Sensory bags are also available at Guest Services.
  • Stolen Bases presented by Orlando Health Foundation – West Region: For each base stolen by Rays players at home this season, the Rays donate $250 to the Orlando Health Foundation – West Region. During the first five years of this initiative, the Rays donated more than $100,000 to the Orlando Health Foundation, a nonprofit organization that raises crucial funds to sustain and enhance patient care services in our community.
  • TD SYNNEX: With the first Rays double play of each home game, TD SYNNEX donates $250 to area Boys & Girls Clubs, local nonprofit organizations that support and encourage youth to reach their full potential through mentorship, education, and various programs. TD SYNNEX is committed to supporting initiatives around the world that enhance the communities where it has a presence and focus on its pillars of children, wellness, and the digital divide.
  • Webull Fast Lane & Season Member Entrance: New for 2026, all Webull users with an open and funded Webull account can skip the lines at Rays home games by accessing the Webull Fast Lane at Gate 3. To use Fast Lane entry, sign up at Webull.com. Rays Season Members can also use the Gate 3 entrance by showing their Season Member card in the Rays Wallet.