Rays unveil upgrades, new menu options at the Trop

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- With Opening Day less than a week away, the Rays have unveiled a handful of changes to improve the fan experience at Tropicana Field this season, including checkout-free concessions at the Budweiser Porch in center field and upgraded video boards, plus new food and beverage items around the ballpark.

The new concession area in center field, called the Short Stop at the Budweiser Porch, will use technology from Zippin -- high-resolution cameras and shelf sensors -- to eliminate the checkout process and significantly reduce wait times. Fans can select a payment type when entering the store, get their items and exit without stopping to pay.

“From digital ticketing to becoming the first Major League sports venue to go cash-free in 2019, imagining new ways to improve the fan experience through technology is part of our DNA,” said Rays chief business officer Bill Walsh. “This type of frictionless experience is the next step in that journey, where fans spend less time in line and more time watching the action and having fun.”

To that end, fans should notice a change in the main and side display videoboards in right field, as they’ve been upgraded and optimized for Tropicana Field to produce brighter, sharper visuals on a board that will be 30% larger than the old screens. The Rays will also feature a new graphics package and game presentation during the season, including interactive material for fans.

Tampa Bay recently released its 25th anniversary season logo, which will be available on hats, apparel and souvenir items. The entire anniversary collection can be viewed on www.thebayrepublic.com.

Additionally, the Rays have partnered with Anheuser-Busch for a new Friday night beer promotion: BOGO Buds on the Budweiser Porch in center field.

Finally, the club has announced a lineup of new concessions for this season as part of its goal to represent the Tampa Bay area’s food culture and cuisine. The club has added a hand-rolled “Pretzel Dog” at Pig + Potato in center field, with only 98 made available per game and a countdown clock to let fans know how many remain; a Beach Drive BBQ stand in the first-base food hall; and the “Stinger Dog,” a fan-favorite item from the Devil Rays era that will be available at all Whoa Doggy’s locations.

Among the other new items and returning favorites: Tampa Bay’s Little Greek, located in the third-base food hall; Omaha Steaks, whose burgers, brats and more will be available throughout the ballpark; Daddies Donuts, which will serve donuts in right field, the third-base food hall and the Rays Club; Beans & Barlour, now serving milkshakes at the Budweiser Porch and from a new location in the third-base concourse; Sip Shine, which will offer Moonshine Slushies in the third-base food hall, the Rays Club and Ballpark & Rec; and MingsBings, a traditional Chinese staple from Iron Chef Ming Tsai that will be available at Grand Slam in right field, Beach Drive BBQ and via the suite a-la-carte menu.