One of the first orders of business for the Tampa Bay Rays’ new ownership is a reduction in price for some seat locations when the team returns to Tropicana Field in 2026.
Single-game tickets went on sale Thursday through the MLB Ballpark app or online.
The Rays on Wednesday made it official they'll be back in St. Petersburg after playing the 2025 season at Tampa's Steinbrenner Field because of hurricane damage at their longtime stadium.
Repairs are on track to reopen the Trop in time for the April 6 home opener against the Chicago Cubs at 4:10 p.m. They begin the season with a nine-game road trip beginning March 26 at St. Louis.
ALSO READ: Rays announce spring training schedule in anticipation of Trop's reopening
The Rays said ticket prices are reduced by an average of 15% for more than two-thirds of seats, compared with 2024. The team also announced new premium seating options and all-inclusive season packages, as well as game starting times and other ballpark amenities.
Tampa Bay is also resuming $10 tickets, which were available in 2024.
Other ticket options
The Rays are introducing an opening day BOGO ticket offer. Fans who buy a ticket for opening day before this Sunday will get an email the following week with a code valid for a free ticket to any April or May home game.
One complimentary ticket for each opening day ticket bought will be distributed, up to a maximum of six per account with select blackout dates.
The Rays also announced new premium seating options with upgraded seats and locations as well as new all-inclusive ticket packages.
ALSO READ: Trop repairs have a target date: Rays home opener is scheduled for April 6
At the team’s new pop-up store across from the Trop, at 1101 First Ave. S., fans can visit the Premium Preview Center, which has scale replica of the new seating and an interactive virtual tour to experience the view from any seat.
Visit the Rays' website for premium seating options to make an appointment or purchase premium seats. Visit the Rays' website on the team store for full hours and information.
Rays’ season members, spring training season ticket holders and corporate partners will get information about special single-game presale opportunities. Advance parking will also be available for purchase.
Rays Insider subscribers will also get an email for the single-game ticket presale.
Earlier weekday game starts
There will be earlier weeknight game times. Starting times last season were adjusted to accommodate summer weather conditions for outdoor play at Steinbrenner Field.
From Monday through Thursday, first pitch is at 6:40 p.m. There will be select weekday matinees at 12:10 or 1:10 p.m. Friday games begin at 7:10 p.m.
Saturday starting times are 4:10 or 6:10 p.m. Sunday games are at 1:40 p.m.
Dates and opponents were announced in August.
When Hurricane Milton ripped off the Trop's roof panels last fall, it also left significant damage to the interior. So, fans will notice major upgrades from their seats, such as an expanded main videoboard, new video displays behind home plate and along both foul poles, a new sound system, and refreshed suite interiors.
“We are excited to return home to Tropicana Field in April and to once again join our fans and neighboring businesses in downtown St. Petersburg in celebrating the return of Rays Baseball,” new Rays CEO Ken Babby said in a statement.
Babby was part of the Patrick Zalupski investment group that purchased the franchise in September for a reported $1.7 billion.
“As we open single-game ticket sales, we’re proud to offer a variety of additional options that make it easy for fans across the region to be part of the experience. This season is all about energy, excitement, and rallying behind the Rays as we chase every victory together!"
Game promotions will be announced at a later date, although the Rays said they will celebrate retired third baseman Evan Longoria on July 10-12 during the series against the Seattle Mariners.
The new owners are starting a search for a new ballpark they plan to have ready by 2029. It is believed they favor a location in Hillsborough County.
The Rays, who are contracted to play at the Trop through 2028, have struggled with poor attendance, although they have been successful on the field with World Series appearances in 2008 and 2020.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
