Back in the Burg Business Sign-Up

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.

Throughout the first half of the season, the Rays invite downtown businesses to join us in creating a welcoming, vibrant, and Rayful atmosphere that celebrates our shared home.

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.

* 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.