ST. PETERSBURG -- The Rays' special 9=8 Ticket Package, featuring tickets to nine home games for the price of eight, will be introduced this week and available for purchase only on Friday and Saturday.

All packages include two prime games, including the home opener against the Yankees on April 13, one marquee game and six select others. Packages can be purchased in the upper deck for only $95 or in the baseline box for $217.

The packages will go on sale Friday at 9 a.m. ET online at raysbaseball.com, by phone at 888-FANRAYS and at the Tropicana Field box office. The 9=8 Package will also be available for purchase at Tropicana Field during Fan Fest on Saturday. Fans who purchase the 9=8 Pack will receive a wristband for access to the autograph areas (a $10 value) and will be entitled to early entry to Fan Fest, from 9-10 a.m. Fans who purchase online Friday can pick up their wristbands at the Tropicana Field Gate 1 box office beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday.

"Opening Day always provides a special atmosphere to begin the season, but this year, it also provides a chance to celebrate last year's championship campaign," said Rays president Matt Silverman. "The 9=8 Pack guarantees you'll be there to see the American League pennant unfurled as we begin the 2009 home season vs. the Yankees."

Autograph sessions will begin at noon, with players signing for one hour each. Additionally, season-ticket holders will have the opportunity to have their picture taken with a Rays player. Anyone purchasing a season-ticket package at Fan Fest will receive access to this exclusive area.

Here are the available 9=8 ticket options and the schedule of appearances for autographs and the player photograph area.

Fan Fest player autograph schedule

12-1 p.m.: John Jaso, Gabe Kapler, Juan Salas, Ray Olmedo, Pat Burrell, Randy Choate, Tim Beckham, Reid Brignac and Carl Crawford. Season-ticket-holders' line (photo only) -- James Shields and Fernando Perez.

1-2 p.m.: Joe Nelson, Chad Bradford, B.J. Upton, Willy Aybar, Chad Orvella, Michel Hernandez, Derek Rodriguez, Julio DePaula, Jacob McGee, John Weber, Jason Cromer and Calvin Medlock. Season-ticket-holders' line (photo only) -- Evan Longoria and Matt Garza.

2-3 p.m.: Matt Joyce, Grant Balfour, Carlos Pena, Jason Hammel, Craig Albernaz, Ray Sadler, Jeremy Cummings, Elliot Johnson, Neil Frontz, Chris Nowak and Dan Wheeler. Season-ticket-holders' line (photo only) -- Dioner Navarro and Andy Sonnanstine.

3-4 p.m.: Steve Henderson, Joe Maddon, Wade Davis, David Price, Dave Martinez, George Hendrick, Lance Cormier, Brian Shouse, Chris Richard, Jason Childers and Dewon Day. Season-ticket-holders' line (photo only) -- Jason Bartlett and J.P. Howell.

4-5 p.m.: Bobby Ramos, Jim Hickey, James Houser, Mitch Talbot, Shawn Riggans, Justin Ruggiano, Scott Kazmir, Carlos Hernandez, Brian Anderson, Tom Foley and Todd Greene. Season-ticket-holders' line (photo only) -- Troy Percival and Jeff Niemann.

9=8 package options

Package 1

April 13 -- Yankees, Opening Day
April 19 -- White Sox, kids giveaway
May 4 -- Orioles
May 21 -- A's
June 2 -- Royals
June 26 -- Marlins, poster giveaway
July 8 -- Blue Jays
July 27 -- Yankees, prime
Aug. 1 -- Royals, postgame concert

Package 2

April 13 -- Yankees, Opening Day
April 18 -- White Sox, premium giveaway
April 30 -- Red Sox, prime
May 14 -- Indians
May 19 -- A's
June 3 -- Royals
June 12 -- Nationals, poster giveaway
June 28 -- Marlins, kids giveaway
July 9 -- Blue Jays

Package 3

April 13 -- Yankees, Opening Day May 4 -- Orioles
May 18 -- A's
May 29 -- Twins, poster giveaway
June 4 -- Royals
June 14 -- Nationals, kids giveaway
June 25 -- Phillies, prime
July 7 -- Blue Jays
July 11 -- A's, postgame concert