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Rays start things up Monday at the Trop

By Times Staff
Published April 9, 2006

It's show time. For six months, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays have proclaimed themselves "under construction." New owners, new managers, new fan-friendly policies and a $10-million renovation of Tropicana Field. Today is Opening Day, when locals will get the first glimpse of the (hopefully) new and improved team. The game against the Baltimore Orioles begins at 7:15 p.m.

TICKETS

Ticket prices restructured, with the average price dropping from $22.86 to $22.35.

GRUB

Concession prices lowered.

$1 hot dogs and Pepsis available in the parking lots before the game tonight.

Fans can bring their own food and beverages to Tropicana Field.

TROP

$10-million renovation.

Major overhaul of the bathrooms, more than 40.

New sound system.

More than 200 flat screen televisions.

All 35,000 seats scrubbed and repainted.

Rotunda redone with five 24-foot palm trees.

SIGHTS

Ted Williams Museum and Hitters Hall of Fame.

Interactive kids games on left field and right field streets.

The entire team and manager Joe Maddon will greet fans for the first few minutes after the gate opens at 4:15 p.m. today.

Former major leaguers, including ex-Devil Rays, will sign autographs.

SWAG

All fans will receive a schedule magnet, a thermal mug and a schedule poster today.

"Everybody Wins" scratch-off cards. Prizes include a Tropicana Field luxury suite for one game, a plasma TV and a cell phone.

PARKING

For the first time, fans won't have to pay to park.

Tailgating is allowed 21/2 hours before the game.

[Last modified April 9, 2006, 16:20:05]