Tampa Bay Rays, Progress Energy Park to Celebrate Finale

Free postgame BBQ, All-Time Al Lang Team, Air Force fly-over to highlight Progress Energy Park finale

ST. PETERSBURG, 03/26/2008 -- The Tampa Bay Rays will celebrate 83 years of waterfront baseball on Friday, March 28 in the final game to be held at Progress Energy Park, home of Al Lang Field. Festivities planned include a MacDill Air Force fly-over, a presentation of the All-Time Al Lang Team, tributes to former St. Petersburg pro teams that called the field home, a free postgame barbecue for all fans in attendance, and numerous giveaways.

"The baseball history emanating from this site rivals that of any major league stadium and none of it would have been possible without Al Lang, who was unsurpassed as an ambassador of baseball in this state," said Rays President Matt Silverman. "His actions spurred St. Petersburg's economy nearly a century ago and helped shape a city. While we are playing our last game at Al Lang Field, the Rays organization will see to it that his legacy lives on in St. Petersburg."

Hall of Famer Monte Irvin will be signing autographs from 11:00-12:15. Among the other guests of honor are John and Hugh Fagen, great-nephews and the closest living relatives of Al Lang.

Before the game against the Cincinnati Reds, jets from the MacDill Air Force Base will perform a fly-over above Progress Energy Park. Rays Fan Hosts will give away Al Lang Field commemorative posters to the first 6,500 fans through the gates. A special on-field presentation will reveal the All-Time Al Lang Team, a roster of the best players to call the Al Lang site their spring training home. The team will include numerous Hall of Famers and at least two players at every position.

After the game, fans are invited onto the field for a free barbecue and live music. Kids will have the chance to run the bases and play catch on the field.

Between innings, the Rays will recognize teams who played on the historic site, including the St. Petersburg Saints, Boston Braves, New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Mets and St. Petersburg Pelicans. Fans can also enjoy music from past eras (early 1900s to present day) throughout the game. The Rays will pay tribute to the late Tommy Walton, the singing hot dog vendor who entertained fans at Al Lang Field for nearly two decades.

A limited number of berm and grand stands seats remain available. Tickets range in price from $7 to $20 and can be purchased at the Tropicana Field Box Office, via the Rays official website at www.raysbaseball.com or www.raysbeisbol.com, all Ticketmaster locations, the Rays Tampa Office & Pro Shop and via Ticketmaster Phonecharge. The numbers to call are (727) 898-RAYS and (813) 282-RAYS.

Source: MLB