Rays and Rowdies announce hurricane relief efforts and Rays postseason events around Tampa Bay

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.—The Tampa Bay Rays will host hurricane relief donation drives at all postseason events this week and at the Tampa Bay Rowdies home match on October 8. The Rays and Rowdies have also pledged $1 million in support of those directly affected by Hurricane Ian.

“While we celebrate our fourth consecutive postseason appearance, we cannot forget all those suffering in the wake of Hurricane Ian. I’m proud that we are organizing, supporting and donating to relief efforts across Tampa Bay and grateful to this wonderful community for coming together to support those in need,” said Rays Principal Owner Stuart Sternberg.

The Rays, in partnership with the City of St. Petersburg and the City of Tampa, will host Rays Up Tampa Bay Drive-Thru donation events this Thursday, October 6 at Tropicana Field and WestShore Plaza from 3-7 p.m. At each location, fans can donate to the Rays hurricane relief efforts and receive exclusive postseason flags and yard signs.

“That’s what is so great about our community – in times of need we all come together,” said City of St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch. “Thank you to our partners at the Rays for stepping up to lend their home base to collect supplies for our neighbors in Southwest Florida. While for many, recovery will not happen overnight, we stand committed to being an unwavering partner.”

The Tampa Bay Rowdies will host a donation drive at their upcoming home match against Loudoun United FC on October 8. They will collect items outside the Al Lang Box Office starting when parking lots open at 4 p.m.

As in the wake of Hurricanes Charley, Harvey, Irma, Maria, Michael and Dorian, the Rays and Rowdies aim to bring aid to those impacted by Hurricane Ian by collaborating with community partners and nonprofit organizations with expertise in delivering aid. Specific items requested by Feeding Tampa Bay, United Way of Charlotte County and Course of Action will be available ahead of Thursday’s event at RaysBaseball.com/Relief. Please note that bottled water will not be accepted. Rays and Rowdies Partner Good Greek Moving & Storage will provide assistance in collecting, storing and transporting the donated items.

Other events and activities include Rays Postseason Watch Parties in St. Petersburg and Tampa for the American League Wild Card Series games and various locations for fans to pick up Rays Up Tampa Bay yard signs, presented by Bayfront Health St. Petersburg, and 3'x5' flags. Visit RaysBaseball.com/Postseason for more details about Rays Postseason events, including watch parties and Postseason game times as they are scheduled.

St. Petersburg-Based Events

City of St. Petersburg Flag Raising

• WHAT: Mayor Ken Welch, Rays President Brian Auld and Mascot Raymond will raise a flag in front of St. Petersburg City Hall in support of the Rays 2022 Postseason run.
• WHEN: Thursday, October 6 at 11:30 a.m.
• WHERE: St. Petersburg City Hall, 175 5th Street N., St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Rays Up Tampa Bay Drive-Thru Event

• WHAT: Fans will receive a Rays Up Tampa Bay 3'x5' flag and yard sign, presented by Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. Fans can make donations to the Rays hurricane relief efforts. Rays 2022 Postseason merchandise will be available in the Bay Republic Team Store, which will be open throughout the event.
• WHEN: Thursday, October 6 from 3-7 p.m.
• WHERE: Tropicana Field, One Tropicana Dr., St. Petersburg, FL 33705. Fans should enter Lots 6 and 7 from 3rd Avenue S.

Wild Card Series Games 2-3 Watch Parties, presented by Budweiser

• WHEN: Saturday, October 8 and Sunday, October 9 (if necessary). Watch Parties begin 30 minutes prior to first pitch. See RaysBaseball.com/Postseason for updated game times.
• WHERE: St. Petersburg Pier, 800 2nd Avenue NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Tampa Bay Rowdies Home Match vs. Loudoun United FC

• WHEN: Saturday, October 8. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., kickoff is 7:30 p.m.
• WHERE: Al Lang Stadium, 230 1st Street SE, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701

Tampa-Based Events

City of Tampa Banner Unveiling

• WHAT: Mayor Jane Castor, Rays President Matt Silverman and Mascot Raymond will unveil a Rays banner on the Tampa Municipal Services Building in support of the Rays 2022 Postseason run.
• WHEN: Thursday, October 6 at 8:30 a.m.
• WHERE: Tampa Municipal Services Building, 306 E. Jackson Street, Tampa, FL 33602

Rays Up Tampa Bay Drive-Thru Event

• WHAT: Fans will receive a Rays Up Tampa Bay 3'x5' flag, and yard sign, presented by Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. Fans can make donations to the Rays hurricane relief efforts.
• WHEN: Thursday, October 6 from 3-7 p.m.
• WHERE: WestShore Plaza, 250 Westshore Plaza, Tampa, FL 33609. Fans should enter the WestShore Mall parking lot at the intersection of N. Westshore Blvd. and W. Gray Street.

Wild Card Series Game 1 Watch Party, presented by Budweiser

• WHEN: Friday, October 7. Watch Party begins 30 minutes prior to first pitch. See RaysBaseball.com/Postseason for updated game times.
• WHERE: Sparkman Wharf, 615 Channelside Dr., Tampa, FL 33602

Regional Activities

Rays Up Tampa Bay Flags and Yard Signs Pick-Up

• WHAT: Fans can pick up Rays Up Tampa Bay flags and yard signs at select partner locations during each business’ regular hours, while supplies last.
• WHEN: Beginning Thursday, October 6 during location business hours, while supplies last.
• WHERE: Select Crown Automotive, Kane’s Furniture, Tijuana Flats and Kahwa Coffee locations, as well as area chambers of commerce. See RaysBaseball.com/Postseason for a full list of locations.

For a list of flag and yard sign distribution sites and additional details on all Postseason events, visit RaysBaseball.com/Postseason. For information on hurricane relief efforts and a list of requested items, visit RaysBaseball.com/Relief.