Today's schedule
2: Parking lots open
4: 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 starting lineups
6:50: National anthem by BK Jackson, 17-year-old saxophonist from Tampa's Blake High; unfurling of 300- by 150-foot flag in the shape of continental United States; colors presented by U.S. Central Command Joint Service color guard
6:52: Ceremonial first pitch by Florida Gov. Charlie Crist
7: 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
7:08: 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 the season in Japan. … The opener sold out Feb. 26, but tickets for all other games are available.
Coming up
Tuesday: vs. Yankees; pregame AL championship ring ceremony; replica rings for all fans
Wednesday: vs. Yankees; presentation of Carlos Peña'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
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