Rays cut prices, vary packages

Ticket prices will change for "prime'' and "value'' games in 2003.

By KEVIN KELLY, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published October 20, 2002

ST. PETERSBURG -- Whether the Devil Rays hire Lou Piniella as manager or not, fans will not pay more on average to see their team next season at Tropicana Field.

The Rays announced their 2003 ticket prices Saturday, and for the second straight year the average ticket price decreased: $17.01, more than 4 percent less than in 2002.

"We're continuing along the same lines, which is to make a day at Tropicana Field a good family entertainment option, an affordable option," said John Browne, Rays vice president of sales and marketing.

Changes for 2003 include the reopening of the upper deck for all 81 home games and the introduction of a tiered variable pricing plan for individual game tickets.

Such plans, in which tickets for some games cost more or less than others, are becoming common around baseball. The Giants, Cardinals, Indians and Rockies have similar arrangements.

"We talked informally with some of our customers about it," Browne said. "Some teams have been using the variable pricing concept for several years and have had good success with it. It's been well-received."

Individual tickets for 55 home games will be priced regularly. The only differences from 2002 are the upper reserve will cost $9 and Beach tickets for children and seniors will cost $3.

Other than those Beach tickets for seniors and children, all tickets will cost more for 13 "prime games" against the Yankees (April 4-6, June 23-26, Sept. 19-21) and Braves (June 27-29).

For 13 "value games" against the Red Sox (April 3), Angels (May 29 and July 22), Rangers (May 27 and July 17), Royals (August 7), Orioles (Aug. 11-13) and Blue Jays (Aug. 6 and Sept. 9-11), all tickets will be discounted.

The Rays, however, will not change the policy that prevents those with Beach tickets from visiting certain areas of the stadium.

"We feel with the opening of the upper deck there is certainly a very affordable option for people," Browne said.

Season-ticket prices remain the same and the renewal deadline is Nov. 22. Those who pay in full by then get a 5 percent discount.

Individual game tickets go on sale Feb. 15 at FanFest at Tropicana Field but also will be available at the Dugout Store at Westshore Plaza, through all Ticketmaster outlets or by calling (727) 898-RAYS or (813) 282-RAYS.

Parking remains unchanged except in Lot 9, which will cost $5 for all games except prime games. For information, call 1-888-FAN-RAYS or visit the team's Web site at devilrays.com.

2003 DEVIL RAYS TICKET PRICES

SEAT REGULAR PRIME VALUE SEASON 2002 INDIVIDUAL

Field box $75 $85 $65 $65 $75

Lower club box $40 $45 $35 $35 $40

Diamond club box $35 $40 $25 $30 $35

Lower box $25 $32 $18 $22 $25

Terrace box $19 $23 $14 $16 $19

Outfield $14 $16 $9 $12 $14

Upper reserve $9 $10 $5 $8 $10

Beach-adult $5 $7 $1 $3.69 $5

Beach-seniors/kids $3 $3 $1 $3.69 $2

-- Regular: 55 games. Prime: 13 games against Yankees, Braves.

Value: 13 games against Angels, Rangers, Royals, Orioles and Jays.