Nights in the Ballpark

Each season the Tampa Bay Rays team up with community partners for "Nights in the Ballpark". Through this program the Rays donate valuable in-game assets to groups to help raise awareness for their organizations. Assets include pre-game presentations, ceremonial first pitches, national anthem performances, color guard presentations, radio and TV interviews, as well as the use of Community Corner. In 2012, the Rays hosted the following "Night in the Ballpark" events at Tropicana Field:

Spirit Nights/Teacher of the Year
Each year, the Rays partner with the Pinellas Education Foundation and the Hillsborough Education Foundation to recognize outstanding teachers and students. Both districts raise money through a group sale fundraiser and are recognized on field prior to the start of the game.

ALS Association
The Rays kick off the ALS Association night in the ballpark by having radio personality, Andy Freed, read Lou Gehrig's famous speech prior to the start of the game and having someone diagnosed with ALS throw out the ceremonial first pitch. The organization raises funds through a group sales fundraiser which allows a portion of ticket proceeds to go back to the ALS Association.

Heart Gallery
For the past four seasons prior to the start of the game recognizing Heart Gallery, Rays pitcher James Shields and his wife Ryane recognized a family that recently adopted a child from the Heart Gallery. This year, James and Ryane recognized a family that adopted two children and James and Ryane presented the family with the children's Heart Gallery portraits.

Miles for Moffitt
As an effort to raise awareness for Moffitt Cancer Center and the Miles for Moffitt race, the Rays host a Miles for Moffitt day in the ballpark. Ten cancer survivors are recognized on the field prior to the game and 50 additional cancer survivors are given tickets to attend and enjoy the game.

United Way Breakfast Campaign Kick Off
For the past six years, the Rays have hosted the United Way of Tampa Bay's Annual Campaign Kickoff at Tropicana Field. In 2012, the Rays were proud to host the event again but for the newly formed United Way Suncoast. Over 800 employers from Tampa Bay as well as the Suncoast attended the event to kick off the work place giving campaign that will occur at businesses throughout the region. The group was also hosted for a "Night at the Ballpark" to share the message of United Way with Rays fans.

Autism Speaks
The Rays hosted "Autism Speaks Night" in the Ballpark in June where Sean and Giselle Rodriguez presented the organization with a check for $3,000 during a pre-game ceremony. The team showed their support for the cause by wearing their light blue jerseys, a nod to the organization's "Light it Up Blue Campaign".