/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-tbt.s3.amazonaws.com/public/TZCND7ABDBBWDPFMN7EB7BLU3Q.jpeg "The scene from \"opening day\" on March 26 at Tropicana Field on Thursday is eerie and empty. March 26, 2020.")
ST. PETERSBURG — The Rays are offering season-ticket and single-game buyers the choice of refunds or credits for games scheduled through May 31.
The credits can be used for future ticket purchases in 2020 and 2021, and in return for letting the Rays keep the money, they include a 25 percent bonus to be used on concessions and merchandise purchases at Tropicana Field.
The Rays have what appears to be one of the most fan-friendly plans in baseball, rewarding fans for committing to buy more tickets. The most common incentive for credits among teams posting their policies by Thursday afternoon was a 10 percent bonus; the Orioles are also offering 25 percent and the Tigers 30 percent.
“It’s a totally fair deal,’’ said Rays season-ticker holder Alan Bomstein of Clearwater. “I will leave my deposit with them, as I’ve been a season-ticket holder since Day 1, and I’m sure I’ll be back again next year. For those who want a refund, the Rays are offering that as well, so I can’t imagine what more you could ask for. And the concession bonus is a nice touch. Kudos to the ownership. They got it right.’’
The Rays had 33 home games scheduled from March 26 through May 31. It is nearly certain more games will be postponed or canceled; the most optimistic projections have teams starting play in June or July without fans in attendance.
Single-game buyers will get an email asking for a decision by May 8 on whether they want the refund or the credit — which can be used for any games this season or next — and the 25 percent bonus, the Rays said. So if you had $200 in tickets purchased and chose the credit, you would get that money credited to use later and an additional $50 for concessions and merchandise.
Those who don’t reply by the deadline will get the credit. Refunds to the original method of payment will take up to 30 business days, the Rays said.
For season-ticket holders, credits (including for prepaid parking) can be used for future payments, tickets for 2020 postseason games or 2021 renewals. Refunds have to be requested by email by May 31.
The refunds and credits, which include the ticketing fees, are available only for tickets purchased directly from the Rays. Fans who bought tickets from third-party resellers such as StubHub are instructed to contact the company from which they bought their tickets.
Fans with group, suite or party-area tickets get a credit to use for 2020 or 2021 games.
Fans with Flex Packs and Rays Win Packs get vouchers in their account for alternative 2020 or 2021 games. Refunds will be issued case by case, but no partial refunds will be given.
Fans with Ballpark Passes will have their initial payments applied to the first month of games when the season starts, then contacted regarding future payments.
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Explore all your optionsFor questions in all cases, the Rays suggest emailing ticketservices@raysbaseball.com.
Contact Marc Topkin at mtopkin@tampabay.com. Follow @TBTimes_Rays.
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