This rivalry can be traced back to the 2000 season when a Rays player (Gerald Williams) was hit by Boston Red Sox pitcher Pedro Martinez and Williams charged the mound, resulting in multiple ejections of both teams’ players. There has been a great deal of animosity between the two teams ever since, including numerous bench-clearing fights. Things heightened, even more, when the Rays won their first pennant against the Red Sox in 2008. Because of their history together, this match up makes for some of the most exciting games in regular season, so don’t miss it when the Red Sox come to town.
The Yankees have held Spring Training in Tampa for years, and Tampa is the home of their Advanced-A affiliate, the Tampa Yankees. As a result baseball fans in the Tampa Bay area are divided primarily between the Rays and Yankees creating an intense atmosphere when these two meet at the Trop.
Citrus Series between the Tampa Bay Rays and Miami Marlins has been going strong since 1998. While the Marlins and Rays interleague rivalry may not be as fierce as some of the other intracity and intrastate rivalries, you’ll still have a good time attending a Rays-Marlins game.
Rays Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
Those of you who can’t get enough Rays baseball will want to make the trip south from Tampa to Port Charlotte to check out Rays spring training. To get the most out of your visit, make sure to get to the complex early to watch your favorite Rays players and prospects practice before Grapefruit League play starts. Die-hard fans will love seeing all the new faces in camp as well as the ability to get up close to their favorite players, so don’t miss out on attending Rays practices before the season.
Another nice thing about attending spring training at Charlotte Sports Park is the abundance of parking available. Unlike at other stadiums, you won’t have to worry about finding a space as there is plenty of parking available in the grass lot next to the ballpark as well at the Charlotte County Fairgrounds across the street. The one downside though is that the Rays don’t allow tailgating, which puts a bit of a damper on the whole situation.
Get to Rays spring training early to catch your favorite Rays warming up before the season and take advantage of the opportunity to have a front row seat for all the action.
The Rays training facility features five and a half practice fields, which open around 9:30 am. Get to the ballpark early to see all your favorite Rays players and prospects warm up for the season.
The Rays signage outside the ballpark goes a long way in making Charlotte Sports Park feel like the spring training home of the Tampa Bay Rays. Take a look around you to enjoy all the Rays paraphernalia outside the stadium.
Where to tailgate
Parking LotsThe Rays offer parking for $10 in the grass lot behind the stadium as well as the Charlotte County Fairgrounds across the street.
Rays Stadium Guide
In Game
Die-hard Rays fans won’t want to miss out on attending a Rays spring training game at Charlotte Sports Park. The gorgeous stadium is an excellent place to take in a game and offers fantastic sightlines all throughout the park. Whether you’re sitting on the outfield berm or behind home plate, you’ll have no trouble seeing all the action on the field.
You’ll also want to get an autograph from your favorite Ray before the game. The best place to get autographs is in Sections 101 or 102 as well as the right field berm, so plant yourself in one of these areas before the game.
Additionally, Charlotte Sports Park offers plenty of fantastic concession options. All over the park, you’ll find excellent places to grab a bite to eat, and if you’re looking to have a few drinks, then make sure to check out the Tiki Bar. The Tiki Bar is the place to hang out with your friend or make new ones making a visit to the Tiki Bar a must for anyone 21 and over in attendance.
Finally, those of you who are taking the kids to the game will find plenty to keep them entertained. Kids love meeting the players and getting a few autographs as well as the Kids Clubhouse, which is home to two kids play areas.
If you love the baseball and the Rays, then you’ll have an incredible time attending a spring training game at Charlotte Sports Park. Get your tickets today to enjoy an unforgettable trip to Rays spring training.
Those of you looking to get a few autographs from the Rays will want to position yourself in the front of the berm down the right field line or in Sections 101 or 102 near the Rays dugout. If you want to get an autograph from someone on the visiting team, make your way to the front of the berm on the left field line and Sections 114 and 115 before the game. You can also catch Rays players as they leave the batting cage building in right field.
If you’re taking the kids to the game, then stop by the Kids Clubhouse during the game. The Kids Clubhouse features two play areas, one for kids ages 2-5 and another for kids ages 5-12, so no matter what your kids’ age they’ll have a great time at the Kids Clubhouse.
The Tiki Bar is the best place to get a drink at a Rays spring training game as well as one of the best places to hang out at the ballpark. You’ll make lots of friends at the Tiki Bar making it one of the most fun parts of attending a Rays game at Charlotte Sports Park.
Pick up a souvenir from your trip to Rays spring training at the Rays Team Store behind home plate. You’ll find a wide selection of Rays merchandise at the Rays Team Store including caps, t-shirts, jerseys, bobbleheads, and more.
Enjoy the game from the grassy berm or the outfield boardwalk during your trip to Charlotte Sports Park. The berm and boardwalk offer two excellent general admission viewing areas, so take advantage of the opportunity to watch the game from these unique vantage points.
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