Rays Gear Up for Action-Packed Series Against Athletics, Featuring Community Tributes and Fan Fun
TAMPA, Fla. – Baseball is back at George M. Steinbrenner Field as the Tampa Bay Rays return to their Tampa home on Monday, June 30, for a three-game homestand against the Oakland Athletics.
Beyond the competitive action on the field, the series promises a packed schedule of community initiatives, special recognitions, and fan giveaways, highlighting the Rays’ commitment to the Tampa Bay area.
Monday, June 30: A Night of Honors and Inclusivity
The homestand kicks off on Monday at 7:35 p.m., with gates opening at 6:05 p.m.
A highlight of Monday’s pregame festivities will be the presentation of the Home Run Service Award to Albert Garcia, a game-day staff member recognized for his exceptional service to fans. Garcia will also have the honor of throwing out a ceremonial first pitch.
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Adding to the excitement, professional softball veteran and middle infielder for the Volts of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL), Sierra Romero, will throw out a ceremonial first pitch.
This appearance underscores Major League Baseball’s recent strategic investment in the AUSL, a first-of-its-kind comprehensive partnership with a women’s professional sports league aimed at fostering the growth of softball at all levels. The AUSL, comprising four teams, will play games in 12 cities this summer. Romero, a University of Michigan alumna, is a four-time All-American, USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year, and current NCAA record holder.
The Rays will also host 13-year-old John from the St. Petersburg Challenger League, a local baseball league for individuals with unique abilities, as part of their Magic Monday program. John will participate in batting practice with the team and serve as an honorary coach during the national anthem.
For fans who secured them in advance, the Italian Heritage Ticket Package is sold out, offering a limited-edition hat and special seating. Meanwhile, active military members, first responders, and teachers can still claim two complimentary tickets for Monday’s game through the Salute to Service program, with the offer expiring Sunday, June 29, at 11:59 p.m.
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Off the field, Rays players and their families will demonstrate their community spirit by serving lunch and packaging snack bag kits for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House in St. Petersburg before the game. Ronald McDonald House Charities Tampa Bay annually serves over 2,000 families of children receiving medical treatment, providing a crucial “home-away-from-home.”
Tuesday, July 1: Celebrating Courage and Legacy
Tuesday’s game against the Athletics begins at 7:05 p.m., with gates opening at 5:35 p.m. Pasco County Fire Rescue will serve as the Color Guard, and Jennifer Barican will perform the National Anthem with ASL by Kama Clippard. NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Preece will throw out the Rays First Pitch.
The Tuesday’s Champion program, presented by RIPA, will honor two siblings from the Children’s Dream Fund: 14-year-old Kenady, who battles a blood disorder, and 9-year-old Kameron, who experienced an arteriovenous malformation rupture in May. They will meet Rays players and throw a ceremonial first pitch together, celebrating their favorite player, Brandon Lowe. The Children’s Dream Fund, established in 1981, has served children ages 3-18 with life-threatening illnesses in numerous Florida counties. Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, another organization that partners with the Rays, granted 351 local wishes in 2022, along with 241 wish assists.
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A poignant moment will occur during an in-game presentation as the Rays, in partnership with the Pinellas and Hillsborough Education Foundations, award the inaugural Dave Wills Scholarship.
This scholarship honors the life and legacy of the beloved Rays radio announcer Dave Wills, who passed away on March 5, 2023, at age 58. The recipients, Nicolas of Alonso High School in Tampa and Roy of St. Petersburg High School, are recognized for their intent to major in communications and pursue careers in sports broadcasting. Wills’ wife, Liz, and daughter, Michelle, will attend the ceremony.
Fans can also purchase a special Canada Day Ticket Package on Tuesday, featuring a limited-edition hat. The Salute to Service offer remains available for this game as well. Prior to the game, Rays players and their families will visit the Ronald McDonald House in Tampa, continuing their support for families of pediatric patients.
Wednesday, July 2: Bobbleheads and Heritage
The homestand concludes on Wednesday with a 12:10 p.m. first pitch, with gates opening at 10:40 a.m. The Clearwater Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol will present the Color Guard, and Aubrey Wollett will perform the National Anthem with ASL by Tess Crowder. The first 15,000 fans will receive a Taj Bradley Bobblehead, presented by FanDuel Sports Network.
A Venezuelan Heritage Ticket Package will also be available for purchase, including a limited-edition hat. The Salute to Service complimentary ticket offer is valid for Wednesday’s game as well.
Additional fan perks include Budweiser Hit the Buds for VIP experiences, Colony Grill Hot Oil Homers for free pizza, Culver’s Curds in the Third for free cheese curds, and the Kane’s Furniture 10K Promotion for free tacos.
Fans can also utilize ProWire for no-delay radio broadcasts, book Mascot In-Game Deliveries, and play the Mascot Race game in the MLB Ballpark App. Complimentary sunscreen, hydration stations, and period products are available, and sensory bags are provided at Guest Services to promote an inclusive environment for all fans.
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