ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – It’s not a new ballpark, but baseball fans entering Tropicana Field this season will notice upgrades in food, and concessions, along with bigger and better video boards.
One of the biggest changes will be a checkout-free experience on the Budweiser Porch in Center Field. It’s always been a spot where fans like to hang out, and now they won’t have to wait in line to get their drinks.
“From digital ticketing to becoming the first major league sports venture to go cash-free in 2019, imagining new ways to improve the fan experience through technology is part of our DNA,” Tampa Bay Rays Chief Business officer Bill Walsh said. “Fans spend less time in line and more time watching the action and having fun.”
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The Short Stop on the Porch in Centerfield will have high-resolution cameras and sensors on shelves thus eliminating the old-school checkout process. Fans will validate a payment type when they go into the store, grab what they want, and leave to return to the game.
The Rays have upgraded their main and side display video boards to full 10mm HD displays while showing off a new graphics package. The main video board is 30 percent larger.
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The Rays have a new and improved lineup of food and drink concessions this season, including Tampa Bay’s Little Greek, Daddies Donuts, Sip Shine serving Moonshine Slushies, and more.
On the field, the Rays are predicted, despite having a low payroll, to be in the hunt once again for the AL East crown and haven’t missed the playoffs since 2018.
Off the field, the Rays had the highest-rated concession experience (as voted by the fans) in Major League Baseball in 2021.
Opening Day is Thursday, March 30th, at 3:10 pm, when the rays will host the Detroit Tigers.
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