Rays Announce Fan Fest Details and Running With the Rays 5K Registration Deadline

January 8th, 2025

The Tampa Bay Rays have announced information on this year’s Fan Fest including location, activities, player and partner appearances, and how to claim a free ticket. Also, the deadline to sign up for the Running with the Rays 5K, presented by Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital, is Saturday, January 11 at 6 p.m. The race will take place on Sunday, January 12, and all proceeds from the Running with the Rays 5K will benefit hurricane relief efforts in the Tampa Bay area.

“We’re approaching the 2025 season with excitement and fresh, new perspectives,” said Rays Chief Business Officer Bill Walsh. “Our top priority remains delivering an exceptional fan experience, and we’re thrilled to welcome Rays fans back to watch our organization’s resilience triumph both on and off the field.”

The Running with the Rays 5K will take place on Sunday, January 12. The race will begin on First Ave. S. near Lot 5 at Tropicana Field and continue through the streets of downtown St. Petersburg, routing through Al Lang Stadium, before finishing back on First Ave. S. Registration includes a commemorative medal, race T-shirt, timing chip and race bib.

Race packets will be available for pickup in Lot 1 at Tropicana Field beginning on Saturday, January 11 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Race-day packet pickup will be available on Sunday, January 12 from 6-7:15 a.m. Parking is available in Lot 1 and Lot 2 at Tropicana Field. The race will start at 7:30 a.m.

After the race, fans can enjoy an awards ceremony, music and giveaways from attending partners including Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital, Viva Seltzer, Suncoast Credit Union, Boys

& Girls Clubs of the Suncoast, Girls on the Run, Veterinary Emergency Group and Feeding Tampa Bay.

To register, visit RaysBaseball.com/5K.

Rays 2025 Fan Fest will take place on February 15 from 1-5 p.m. at the St. Pete Pier (600 Second Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701). Activities include Bargain Beach, a charity yard sale benefiting the Rays Baseball Foundation, opportunities to interact with Rays players, games, mascot appearances, an entertaining stage show and more. To claim a free ticket, visit RaysBaseball.com/FanFest.

In addition, fans will have access to exclusive VIP experiences at Fan Fest:

  • Reelin’ with the Rays: This 45-minute fishing experience with Rays players will give fans the opportunity to reel in a big one. Fans and Rays players will be able to fish and interact together at the end of the St. Pete Pier. Fishing gear will be provided by Tampa Bay Watch.
  • Tiki Boat Experience: This 45-minute tiki boat adventure with Rays players combines fun, relaxation and baseball in a tropical setting. Fans can chat about legendary games or enjoy some friendly banter with participating players. Participants must be 21 or over.
  • Autograph Passes: Fans can purchase an autograph pass to meet their favorite Rays player.

Purchasing information and participating players for each VIP experience will be announced at a later date.

Rays home games will be played at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa during the 2025 season, which begins Friday, March 28. Fans are encouraged to secure seats for the 2025 season with a $100 deposit toward a Full Season Membership. Deposits can be made at RaysBaseball.com/2025Interest.