Large Crowds Return to The Trop For Fan Fest

RECAP

The Rays Fan Fest returned on Saturday, drawing large crowds after a nearly three-year absence. 

The event featured a lot of its favorite elements among fans, such as the charity yard sale, which featured team apparel, promotional items such as bobbleheads, and other various Rays paraphernalia.

The event also featured the Clubhouse Corner (a memorabilia superstore), Clubhouse tours, kid games and activities, and many vendors handing out freebies.

Beyond the setups, this was a chance for fans to get to interact with their favorite player, and there were many opportunities to do so as many of the MLB and MiLB players and coaches roamed around the venue playing video games with fans and signing items.

The hype surrounding the return of this event was something that was noticeable as you walked towards the stadium, as the line for the general public portion of the event was wrapping around the parking lot, something that was a pleasant surprise to see.

This event was a great opportunity for Rays fans to come back together to support their team, and there were many opportunities to do that.

Not only were there great experiences and a great turnout at the event, but it also featured the debut of the team's 25th anniversary apparel.

Unlike in previous seasons, where the anniversary patch is sewn on, this year's anniversary logo on the side of the team's caps is more of a heat-pressed logo instead of something that is plastic or stitched.

It is unknown whether the team will also feature the logo on the jerseys for the season, but the Rays anniversary merchandise will be items that fans will be clamoring for.

CLOSING

For everyone, it was a great experience to see Rays fans back in the ballpark, and much sooner than had been thought, fans will be back at the Trop in early March.

The Rays will kick off their Grapefruit League schedule down south as they play back-to-back games in Fort Myers this weekend versus the Minnesota Twins and the Boston Red Sox before the team's only Orlando game on the 28th.

The MLB club will then pack their bags and resume camp in St. Petersburg, where they will have their first home game at the Trop versus the Minnesota Twins on March 2nd.