Rays Tank presented by VisitStPeteClearwater.com is the first of its kind at a professional sports venue. The 35-foot, 10,000 gallon tank is located just beyond the right-center field fence at Tropicana Field. The Rays Touch Tank experience will be free to all fans attending home games.
This unique fan experience has been created through a partnership with the Florida Aquarium. The rays were caught in the waters of Tampa Bay last month and have been cared for by the Florida Aquarium staff since. The Florida Aquarium staff will continue that role while the rays are at Tropicana Field.
"This is a community partnership that creates a win for all of the parties involved," said Rays President Matt Silverman. "It not only gives our fans, particularly families, an experience unlike any other at a major league ballpark, but also creates awareness for the Florida Aquarium, a Tampa Bay landmark and non-profit institution that provides cultural enrichment and education to our community."
"We felt this opportunity with the Devil Rays would not only add to the entertainment value of fans attending their games, but also help broaden the educational outreach of the Florida Aquarium," said Thom Stork, CEO of the Florida Aquarium. "Sure, people will enjoy seeing and feeding the rays while attending the game, but they will also learn about these interesting animals and possibly want to see more exotic and interesting fish available to them here."
For every ball hit into the tank during a game by a Rays player, the Rays will donate $5,000 to charity with $2,500 going to the Florida Aquarium and $2,500 going to that player's charity of choice.
To make it most convenient for all fans, there will be a limit of 50 people in the tank area at any time. Fans will pick up a card near the tank with a designated time to visit. Fans may purchase Ray food with the proceeds going to the Florida Aquarium and the team's charitable foundation.
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