Rays to give away team gear, host watch parties in Tampa and St. Petersburg

Sharon Kennedy Wynne, Tampa Bay Times
·3 min read
1

As the Tampa Bay Rays head into postseason play, the team plans to hand out yard signs and Rays swag to fans this weekend. The team also announced watch parties in Tampa and St. Petersburg when the Rays play away games during the playoffs on Oct. 10-11.

The Rays clinched the best record in the American League as well as the American League East title, giving them the home field advantage through at least the first two rounds of the playoffs.

To celebrate, the team is hosting “Rays Up for Tampa Bay Drive-Thru” events where fans can pick up a free Rays Up yard sign and a postseason swag bag.

“We have scheduled events on both sides of the bay so that Rays fans can conveniently engage with us and show their pride in this exceptional team,” said Eric Weisberg, Rays vice president of marketing and creative services. “We truly appreciate their support and look forward to continuing the tradition of championship in Tampa Bay.”

Saturday’s drive-thru will be from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in the parking lot adjacent to the Florida Aquarium lot at 815 Channelside Drive in Tampa. On Sunday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., fans can pick up the merchandise at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. Enter parking lots from Third Avenue S at 10th Street S, the team advised.

The Rays will host the first games of the American League Division Series at home. When the team is away, there will be free watch parties for Game 3 and 4 on Oct. 10 and 11 at the St. Pete Pier, 800 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, and also at Tampa Theatre, 711 N Franklin Street, Tampa. Party times will be based on the broadcast schedule.

The team will open the Rays Republic Team Store at Tropicana Field on Friday through Oct. 14. Any purchase of $150 or more includes a 2020 AL Champions replica trophy.

Bars will also have watch parties. The Rays have some that are officially affiliated with the team that you can find at mlb.com/rays/fans/watch-party.

At Ferg’s Sports Bar, the go-to spot for Rays fans, there will be watch parties for all the Rays games both home and away. 1320 Central Ave., St. Petersburg.

Beginning on Saturday, October 2, fans can pick up yard signs at select partner locations during each business’ regular operating hours, while supplies last.

Free yard signs will also be available starting Saturday at various visitor centers and Rays partner locations while supplies last. Find details at RaysBaseball.com/Postseason.

Yard Sign Pickup Locations

Kahwa Coffee: 204 Second Ave. S, St. Petersburg and also 3928 Henderson Blvd., Tampa.

Kane’s Furniture: Stores at 4501 34th Street N, St. Petersburg and also 6222 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa.

St. Pete Store & Visitors Center: 100 2nd Avenue N., Suite 150, St. Petersburg.

Tijuana Flats: 2117 66th Street N. St. Petersburg and also 11007 Causeway Blvd., Brandon.

Unlock Tampa Bay Visitors Center: 201 N Franklin St. No. 102, Tampa.

Ybor City Visitor Information Center: 1600 E Eighth Ave., Suite B104, Tampa.

ALDS postseason schedule

Oct. 7-8: Game 1 and 2 will be at home at Tropicana Field.

Oct. 10-11: Away games

Oct. 13: Tropicana Field

Oct. 15-23: Championship series games

• • •

Sign up for the Rays Report weekly newsletter to get fresh perspectives on the Tampa Bay Rays and the rest of the majors from sports columnist John Romano.

Never miss out on the latest with the Bucs, Rays, Lightning, Florida college sports and more. Follow our Tampa Bay Times sports team on Twitter and Facebook.