For (home) openers

The Rays released a revised schedule, and created more time for the banner ceremony, with first pitch pushed back to 7:15,

Monday’s schedule:

2:00  Parking lots open
4:00 Gates open – Rays players greet fans at rotunda entrance, and Gate 4
4:40  Rays batting practice
5:25  Yankees batting practice
6:37  Introduction of Yankees lineup
6:43  Introduction of Rays lineup
6:50  Presentation of colors by U.S. Central Command Joint Service color guard, unfurling of 300 x 150 foot flag in shape of continental U.S.
6:51 National anthem by BK Jackson, 17-year-old saxophonist from Tampa’s Blake High School.
6:53  Ceremonial first pitch by Florida Gov. Charlie Crist.
7:00  Raising of AL East and AL Championship banners above leftfield by team officials, staff and players, assisted by MacDill Air Force Base Joint Communications Support Element.
7:15 First pitch by Scott Kazmir

Details: The Rays are 5-6 in home openers. … This is the latest they have played a home opener. … It is the second time they have opened at home against the Yankees, also 2004 after starting season in Japan. … Game soldout Feb. 26; tickets available for all other games.

Coming up:
Tuesday: vs. Yankees. AL championship ring ceremony pre-game, replica rings for all fans.
Wednesday: vs. Yankees. Presentation of Carlos Pena’s Gold Glove award; AL championship cowbells for all fans.
Thursday: vs. White Sox.
Friday: vs. White Sox.
Saturday: vs. White Sox. Presentation of Evan Longoria’s AL Rookie of the Year award; AL championship trophy replicas for all fans
Sunday: vs. White Sox. Presentation of Joe Maddon’s AL Manager of the Year award; AL championship pennants to first 10,000 kids