PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- The Rays will open the gates to Charlotte Sports Park for their Grapefruit League opener against the Reds at 1:05 p.m. ET today.

"I love it. I absolutely love it," said Rays manager Joe Maddon when asked about the club's new facility. "From a theoretical perspective, I like the fact that it's big. I like a deep and big Spring Training ballpark. The ball has a tendency to carry, and I prefer it be more pitcher-friendly than hitter-friendly. The surface itself is magnificent -- the dugouts are great and it appears as though the batter's eye is appropriate. The bullpens are accessible and it's all really well done."

Not only will Charlotte Sports Park provide the definitive Spring Training site for Rays players, but fans should also approve of the ambiance of the park that captures the essence of baseball's special season. Fans familiar with other Grapefruit League venues in the Sunshine State will see reminders from two popular Spring Training venues. The rich blue seating and inner-bowl area brings to mind George M. Steinbrenner Field, where the Yankees play their spring games in Tampa, Fla. And the tiki bar stationed in center field, along with the unobstructed views from every nook and cranny of the park, bring to mind Bright House Field, where the Phillies play in Clearwater, Fla.

As for the most alluring feature of the park, a 19,000-square-foot outfield wooden concourse that stretches around the perimeter of the outfield is unique to Charlotte Sports Park. And it provides a 360-degree pedestrian circulation around the ballpark, offering compelling views of the playing field and bullpens for all fans.

Setting aside, there is a lot for fans to be excited about on the field as the team heads into its 12th campaign. Since Tampa Bay last took the field, the club's payroll has risen to approximately $60 million. Consider that the Rays' 2009 payroll almost triples the '07 Opening Day payroll ($24 million), and it becomes more of a testament to the organization's commitment to winning.

Parking lots open at 10:30 a.m. and parking costs $7; the gates to the park will open at 11:30 a.m. While regular seating for the game is sold out, there will be a small quantity of reserved seats released for sale this morning. In addition, a limited number of Boardwalk/Berm seating tickets remain for $9. The box office opens at 9 a.m.

Left-hander Carlos Hernandez will start for the Rays and will be followed by right-handers Jason Hammel, Lance Cormier, Neal Frontz and Mitch Talbot and left-handers Randy Choate and J.P. Howell. Right-hander Edinson Volquez will start for the Reds.