Tampa Bay Rays Tickets
The Tampa Bay Rays are one of the youngest and newest franchises in the MLB. Along with the Arizona Diamondbacks, another expansion team from the same year, the Rays – then known as the Devil Rays – took the field for the first time in 1998. It was the culmination of a decades-long dream for the Tampa Bay area, as attempts to bring an MLB franchise to the region went as far back as the 1960s.
Finally, that dream was realized! Except it wasn’t a dream – it was more like a nightmare. In fact, if we’re being honest, the Rays straight up flopped in their first decade. Now, nobody expects a brand-new expansion team to be competitive right out of the gate, but the Rays were spectacularly bad. They finished last in every AL East season save one when they finished second-to-last. You can bet that there were cheap Rays tickets to be had in those days!
Beat the Devil Out of Them
Then, something happened: the Rays underwent a major restructuring in 2008. They also dropped the ‘Devil’ from the team, officially becoming the Tampa Bay Rays. Whatever might have been the cause, the shake-up worked – the newly-christened Rays had their first winning season ever in 2008. Not only that, it was their first division win, their first pennant, and their first appearance at the World Series.
Sure, the Phillies might have shut down the Rays that year for the championship, but talk about a turnaround. Suddenly the Rays were serious business. From 2008 to 2013, this still-new franchise would make it to the playoffs three more times, once through earning wild-card status. Suddenly nobody’s doubting if the Rays have what it takes to go all the way. They might not have the World Series wins their big brothers the Marlins have down in Miami, but it’s just a matter of time.
Speaking of the Marlins…
Is there anything better than a good ol’ baseball rivalry? The Rays and Marlins have one of the best nascent interleague rivalries, thanks to the Citrus Series that’s held every year, and believe it or not the Rays have a slight lead. As of the 2017-18 season, the Rays led the Marlins 59-56, making this one of the most exciting and well-matched rivalries since its inception.
Florida’s one hell of a state, and it’s got no shortage of great baseball. Even with the Rays off to such a rocky start, they’re building a legacy for the future right alongside the Marlins, and it won’t be long before the state’s second MLB franchise brings home a World Series win of its very own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do the Rays play?
The Rays’ home ballpark is Tropicana Field, also commonly known as The Trop. A domed stadium located in St. Petersburg, Florida, the stadium has been home to the Rays since the team's inaugural season in 1998.
When do Rays tickets go on sale?
Rays tickets go on sale before the MLB begins its regular season. In fact, cheap Rays tickets to games played at Tropicana Field are available months in advance, as are Rays tickets for away games. In other words, there’s no rush to check the Rays’ schedule. Just grab tickets whenever you’ve got the itch.
Is it better to buy Rays tickets in advance?
With Rays tickets being available so far ahead of time, it’s easy to buy tickets whenever you want to – but there’s little need to plan ahead. You can often get cheap last-minute tickets to Rays games by waiting to make your purchase until the very last minute. As game day gets closer and sellers drop their prices, fans reap the benefits.
What’s the best way to buy cheap Rays tickets?
The best way to buy cheap Rays tickets is always going to be from a secure online platform that connects fans and resellers. These ticket marketplaces often have some of the cheapest ticket prices and are the easiest way to shop for Rays tickets. Can you buy Rays tickets at the stadium? Sure – but you’ll likely be paying a higher price than you need to!
Why should I choose Gametime over other ticket marketplaces?
Ticket marketplaces are the best place to find sports tickets. And when it comes to cheap Rays tickets, Gametime is a no-brainer. Seats bought through us are affordable because we charge some of the lowest service fees anywhere. On top of that, we show you the view from the seats you’re shopping for thanks to our panoramic seat view photos. You’ll never have to buy seats blind with Gametime – you’ll know what your view at Tropicana Field will be before you buy those cheap Rays tickets.
So the next time you’re in the market for cheap Rays tickets, turn to Gametime.
