A Downtown St. Petersburg Community Celebration
The start of the 2026 season marks an important moment in our history. The Tampa Bay Rays will return to play at Tropicana Field and reconnect with the neighboring businesses and residents who help make Downtown St. Petersburg special.
The Tampa Bay Rays spent the 2025 season playing baseball at a temporary home in Tampa after Hurricanes Milton and Helene damaged Tropicana Field, along with many local homes and businesses. We recognize that the move of the team and its fans changed how business was done in the surrounding area. The Back in the Burg program was developed to celebrate the return of baseball to the neighborhood, rebuild connections, and work together to bring energy, visitors, and community back to our local establishments.
Be sure to visit one of these Rayful establishments this season!
Now located inside Tropicana Field, along with two additional locations across Tampa Bay—don’t miss their signature pizza!
Visit RaysBaseball.com/WatchParty to catch the Rays at Colony Grill locations throughout the Tampa Bay area all season long.
Pacific Counter, founded in St. Petersburg, offers fresh poke bowls, sushi burritos, and Hawaiian-style hot dogs at Tropicana Field and six additional locations in Tampa Bay.
Located in the center field Budweiser Porch, it’s a must-visit spot—especially for the Rays Up Roll, a giant sushi roll packed with krab, mixed greens, and avocado, all wrapped in nori.
Founded in 1983, Hooters will host Rays watch parties every Wednesday while the team is on the road.
Visit RaysBaseball.com/WatchParty to see which Tampa Bay–area location is hosting each week’s event.
1200 Central Ave
St. Pete, FL 33705
Get a Rayful haircut and show off your style. Choose from three options:
Classic Ray-Hawk — shaved sides, finished with gel or hairspray for $30
Ray-Zor Cut — an elevated cut with a full styling experience for $39
Show Your Floyd’s Colors — temporary blue hair styling available starting two hours before first pitch on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays (Kids $10, Adults $15)
740 4th Street N
St. Pete, FL 33701
3615 49th Street N
St. Pete, FL 33710
Show your Rays ticket to receive 15% off on your print order and in-store packing services with a $20 minimum purchase.
Valid ONLY at Historic Uptown and Disston Plaza St. Pete locations.
699 Central Ave
St. Pete, FL 33701
Before or after the game, swing by the patio or outdoor bar for Sunshine Sips, served daily! Got a Rays ticket? You’re in – unlock a secret Rays-themed cocktail and score a free chocolate fondue with any cheese fondue purchase on game day.
1211 1st Ave N
Suite 201
St. Pete, FL 33705
$25 Rays Day Pass
A pre-game workspace where business professionals can take meetings, enjoy Wi-Fi, and settle in before heading to the game.
1120 Central Ave
St. Pete, FL 33705
Enjoy featured cocktails - the ‘Orange You Glad We’re Back’ - vanilla vodka, orange juice, and vanilla ice cream + the ‘Blue Stinger’ - traditional Blanco blue curacao, and lime.
Our Goal
To support, highlight, and drive fans back to local businesses while strengthening the relationship between the Rays and the downtown community. This initiative is about partnership – not promotion.
Why Participate
Reintroduce fans to your business as baseball returns downtown
Drive foot traffic during the start of the season
Be recognized as a valued part of the St. Pete community
Help create a unified downtown experience for residents and visitors
Businesses can participate at the level that feels right for them.
A simple way to welcome fans back downtown.
Businesses receive:
Rays Window Decal
Rays branded flag
Poster schedule
Pocket schedule
Rays-themed table tent
Eligibility to enter to win for a Rays Street Team and mascot visit
Participation:
Continue displaying materials and help create a welcoming, Rayful atmosphere.
Showcase your business in a unique way.
Businesses receive:
Community Partner items
Featured spotlight on the Rays website for the month of April
Participation:
Introduce a Rayful-inspired* item, feature, or in-business experience that celebrates the season in a way authentic to your establishment.
* What “Rayful” Can Look Like
Participation is flexible and authentic to your business:
Rays-inspired menu item or drink
A specialty baseball-themed retail item or product feature
A Rays baseball-themed in-store experience or display
Rays-themed happy hour
A creative offering that reflects your brand’s connection to the season
No idea is too small – participation simply shows community pride.
Let’s Welcome Fans Back Together
Downtown St. Petersburg thrives because of its local businesses. We’re excited to reconnect, support one another, and bring energy back to our shared neighborhood.
Thank you for being part of our community.
Participation is free and flexible, designed to be easy - simply choose the level that feels right for your business, and we'll handle the rest.
Businesses have the opportunity to participate in Back to the Burg throughout the entire season—with the flexibility to join for as many months as they’d like and update their Rayful offerings at any time. Please complete the form below to join us in welcoming fans back to the Burg.
Questions? Contact:
Yadi Navarro
Brand Activation Manager, Tampa Bay Rays
YNavarro@RaysBaseball.com