Just the ticket

Fresh from a worst-to-World Series season, the Rays have announced a slight increase in ticket prices for 2009, while offering increased discounts on season tickets and creating a new 'marquee' category for 11 Saturday night games.
The Rayes are looking to increase a season-ticket holder base that ranked near the bottom of Major League Baseball in 2008. Season-ticket holders will continue to have the best seat locations at Tropicana Field; they maintain the right to purchase postseason tickets; and they will also receive a discount of up to 35 per cent off individual game prices, which equates to the entire 81-game home schedule for the cost of only 53 games.
The organization also announced it will be maintaining free parking for carpoolers. "Free parking is one of several initiatives we have launched to keep our games affordable and appealing to families," Rays president Matt Silverman said. "Fans will again be able to park for free, bring food and select beverages into the ballpark, and enjoy a Rays game for about the price of a movie."
The 2009 season will mark the fourth consecutive year the Rays have offered free parking to patrons. Vehicles with four or more passengers will be able to park for free in team-controlled lots at Tropicana Field. For vehicles with fewer than four passengers, parking in the main lots at Tropicana Field will cost $15, while parking in remote lots will be available for $10.
The 2009 schedule features 21 prime games, including the home opener against the Yankees, when the Rays will raise the 2008 American League pennant and AL East championship banners, and the June 23-25 series with the Phillies, a rematch of the 2008 World Series.
Individual ticket prices for both regular and prime games have increased slightly. Upper-deck tickets for regular games are $10, which will continue to rank amongst the lowest in all of baseball. For prime games, upper-deck tickets will be $16. The Rays have also introduced marquee games. All 11 marquee games occur on Saturdays. These games will feature a premium giveaway item or postgame concert.
Tickets for prime games range from $270 (Home Plate Club) to $16 (upper deck and TBT Party Deck); marquee games range from $240 to $13; and regular games range from $210 to $10.
Tickets purchased on the day of the game within five hours of game time will include a $3-$5 fee depending on the pricing category of the ticket.
To join the Rays' season-ticket priority list, visit raysbaseball.com or raysbeisbol.com
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