ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Rays are back at Tropicana Field this Friday, May 1, beginning a two-team, six-game homestand. The week-long stretch, presented by Orlando Health, features a three-game series against the San Francisco Giants followed by three games against the Toronto Blue Jays.
The homestand begins Friday at 7:10 p.m. with a heavy focus on community. It marks the start of Mental Health Awareness Month; players and coaches from both the Rays and Giants will wear green ribbons on their jerseys. Toni and Carlos Ramirez, founders of the JR98 Foundation, will throw the honorary first pitch in memory of their son, former Rays bullpen catcher Jean Ramirez.
While the Hello Kitty® ticket package for Friday is already sold out, fans can still access “Salute to Service” discounts, offering 20% off for military, first responders, and teachers.
READ: Inside The Numbers: The Rays’ American League Dominance
Saturday Night Lights and Postgame Concerts
Saturday’s 6:10 p.m. matchup against the Giants includes a major giveaway, as the first 10,000 fans will receive a Tropicana Field Light-Up Replica. The evening also features:
- Grant Presentation: The Rays will award a $60,000 scholarship grant to the Pinellas Education Foundation.
- First Pitches: Thrown by USF Head Football Coach Brian Hartline and Pinellas Teacher of the Year Denise White.
- Live Music: Country artist Chase Rice takes the stage approximately 30 minutes after the final out. Field access requires a specific wristband purchased in advance.
Family Sunday and Heritage Perks
Sunday’s 1:40 p.m. finale against San Francisco is geared toward younger fans. The “Family Funday” includes a pregame youth parade and an autograph session with Rays players from 12:15 to 12:35 p.m. along the first-base line.
WWE Superstar Jacob Fatu is scheduled to throw the honorary first pitch. Fans can also purchase a special Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage ticket package, which includes a themed jersey.
Midweek Action: Blue Jays and Star Wars™
The Toronto Blue Jays arrive Monday, May 4, for a series of 6:40 p.m. starts (with a 1:10 p.m. matinee on Wednesday).
- Monday: Features the Star Wars™ ticket package, including a Yandy Díaz “Mandalorian-style” bobblehead.
- Tuesday: The “Tuesday’s Champion” program will host 18-year-old Jacob from the Children’s Dream Fund. Additionally, Budweiser and Folds of Honor will present a $20,000 scholarship to the family of U.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sgt. Christopher Nelson Stowe.
New at the Trop for 2026
Fans returning to the stadium will notice several updates, including the renovated Cownose Clubhouse, where visitors can interact with seven cownose rays from The Florida Aquarium. For those looking to skip the lines, the new Go-Ahead Entry system allows for facial-recognition entry via the MLB Ballpark app, while Webull users can access a dedicated “Fast Lane” at Gate 3.
The Rays continue their clear bag policy this season, requiring all bags to be transparent and under 12″ x 6″ x 12″, with small exceptions for medical or diaper bags. For those unable to attend in person, games are now available via Rays.TV, the team’s new direct-to-consumer streaming service.
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