By Shane Petagna
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.– When the Tampa Bay Rays host the Toronto Blue Jays for Opening Day on Thursday at Tropicana Field, fans will have plenty of new experiences both on and off the field. These were unveiled at a news conference on March 20.
Starting with the playing surface at the Trop, a change that can’t be missed is the new striped artificial playing surface installed by Shaw Sports Turf. The turf is the first for the Rays and Major League Baseball. It is complete with coconut husks as the infill, which is better to simulate natural grass instead of traditional rubber pellets.
Another unique feature is the inclusion of Safeshell (crushed walnut shells) on the warning track.
“These create a different sound when you step on them,” said Ray’s chief business officer, Bill Walsh. “So when players are going back to catch a fly ball up against the wall, they can hear the difference beneath their feet audibly and know that they’re approaching the wall.”
Given the game, the new Viva Victory Ledge stands out elsewhere behind the left-field seats. The change comes as Viva Tequila Seltzer is now the official hard seltzer for the team, and the brand’s light blue signage is hard to miss. Fans can purchase tickets for the specific section for groups of at least eight for single games or a table for four as part of a season membership plan.
Another new partner is on The Daquiri Deck between section 149 and the Budweiser Porch in centerfield. The private landing is a group seating area with 30 people. Additional alcohol partners new for 2024 include Superbird Tequila and Vino Ghvino 21 wine, whose products will be served at bars and clubs throughout the stadium.
Onto the concourses throughout Tropicana Field, the Rays have added plenty of new options to their already highly regarded selection, which has ranked in the top five across the league The organization has emphasized being more inclusive of dietary restrictions. A new gluten-free concession stand will be in the right field, highlighted by hot dog options, chicken tender baskets, and smash burger options. The Rays also work toward new labels on menu boards throughout the stadium and an allergen grid.
More new foods on display were samples from a new stand called Twisted on the Budweiser Porch, which will feature the fan-favorite foot-long Pretzel Slugger Dog that debuted last season. The Rays will continue only to produce 98 per game, but fans can turn their attention to other offerings like Sweet Pretzel Bites topped with cinnamon sugar and an Everything Pretzel served with pepper jack cheese sauce. Other new menu items throughout the Trop include featured handhelds like a Short rib Cheesesteak and Nachos, Korean Corn Dog, and the Southern Bird chicken sandwich.
For fans interested in checking out all that’s new around Tropicana Field in 2024, along with taking in a Rays game, the promotion calendar is full of attention-grabbing items and experiences.
The Concert Series will return in 2024 with three summer dates. Starting with alternative band Jimmy Eat World on July 26 against the Cincinnati Reds, the Rays will also have country singer Riley Green and hip-hop artist T-Pain in the same homestand in August. Green will perform on Aug. 10 after the Rays take on the Baltimore Orioles, while T-Pain will play after a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Aug. 16.
Throughout the 2024 season, the Rays will routinely have giveaways for all fans or specific items that can be redeemed in-stadium when bought as part of a special package. In the first month of the season, the first 12,000 fans can receive a Jose Siri Replica Necklace on March 31 against Toronto and a Dave Wills Tropical Shirt on April 14 when the San Francisco Giants visit Tampa Bay. A full view of the 2024 promotional schedule and over 40 different heritage night celebrations can be found at https://www.mlb.com/rays/tickets/promotions.
All single-game tickets start at $10 for the 2024 season.