A PUBLIC SERVICE FOR AREA BASEBALL FANS
FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT TBSN

Baseball is one of the most affordable entertainment values around. You don't have to spend a fortune to take in a game and if you are on a budget we are here to help you get out and see a Rays game at Tropicana Field.

PARKING: The Tampa Bay Rays offered free parking the first two seasons under the new ownership and even though that ended for the 2008 season, you can still park in their lots FREE of charge. That's correct, FREE!

It's a car pool freebie. Have four or more people in your vehicle and you will not have to pay one dime throughout the season.

So you may ask, "I can't find four people, now what do I do?" Well here is a way to save up to ten bucks.

For night games there is an abundance of free parking within a short walk of the Trop. Just make sure you read the signs for times before you park to avoid getting a ticket and once you find that perfect location, remember it for future reference. In lots of cases, time limits end at 5:00 pm.

Weekends are especially good for free parking near the stadium as weekday restrictions do not apply. Again, READ THE SIGNS before you park. Leave home a little early the first few times you plan to look for those free spots.

FOOD: Just because there are those tempting concession stands inside, that doesn't mean you have to buy. Families on a budget can brown bag it, bring their sandwiches from home. You can stop by Publix and have custom subs made to order. Yes, you are allowed to bring them inside the Trop. New owners, new policies.

Food items should be in clear packaging (peanut bags, resealable plastic bags, etc.) and in soft containers small enough to fit under a fan's seat.

Snacks for children, soft-sided juice containers and non-alcoholic beverages are also permitted. Not allowed are cans, thermoses, ice chests, bottles, glass containers or any other non-collapsible container or object deemed hazardous by the team.

Also, check the Rays' schedule often at their official website for their Dollar Dog Nights (while supplies last, of course) and they are a tasty treat for those pinching pennies.

Should you have four or more in your vehicle that gets you into the parking lots free, think about doing some tailgating.

TICKETS: Like most other teams, the Rays have two sets of ticket prices for the same seats. If you want to see a major league game, don't expect to get the best bang for your buck when the Yankees and Red Sox come to town. They are premium dates and prices are higher. Certain Interleague games fall into that category as well. Again, check the Rays website for premium games.

There are plenty of good teams that come to St. Petersburg and you can always find a ticket price that fits your needs. Keep in mind the Rays offer a lot of incentives to come to the park like giveaways and concerts.

There really isn't a bad seat at Tropicana Field so sitting in the upper deck can be just as much fun as sitting in the lower, more pricey areas. Many games you can get a ticket for as little as $9.00 if you buy in advance. If you wait until the day of the game get there at least five hours before the game (nights only) or you will have to add $2.00.

Please note that children 2 years or older require a ticket.

Avoid buying tickets online because there is usually a service charge killing any possible savings. Convenience comes at a cost. If you are on your way home from work and/or are in the Tropicana Field area, stop by the ticket office. It is open from 9:00 to 5:30 Monday through Friday, 9:00 to 3:00 Saturdays and from noon to 4:00 Sundays. On game days, the box office opens at 9:00 a.m. and remains open until 30 minutes after the game.

In Tampa the Rays office is located at Park Tower, 400 North Tampa Street in downtown Tampa and fans can buy tickets from 10 to 6 weekdays.

AND HERE IS THE BIGGEST TICKET SECRET OF ALL: If you are a member of the American Automobile Association (AAA), present your membership card at the Tropicana Field box office and get an upper deck ticket for $7.50 (non-premium dates). There is an eight ticket limit.

The discount is not available at the box office the date of game.

See, you CAN go to a game without breaking the proverbial piggy bank. It's major league baseball and it's your team, the Tampa Bay Rays.