For the first time since 2008, the Tampa Bay Rays are hosting an American League Championship Series game at Tropicana Field. Game 1 against the Cleveland Guardians is tonight, and the atmosphere should be electric after the Rays sold out both home games during the ALDS.
This year’s team arrives in a very different position than that 2008 squad. The Rays carry the American League’s best record and the second-best mark in all of baseball into the series, making them the favorites rather than the upstart underdogs of 18 years ago. Ticketing officials expect another sellout tonight, though tickets remain available online for anyone still hoping to get in. Guardians fans are also expected to travel to St. Petersburg, so the crowd will have some Cleveland flavor mixed in.
Rays Game 1 starter Drew Rasmussen addressed the long-running discussion about fan support, saying the criticism is exaggerated and that the community is deeply invested in this team. The sellout crowds during the ALDS certainly back that up. Whether you’re at the Trop or watching from the Suncoast, the Rays are four wins away from a World Series berth. Are you headed to the ballpark tonight, or watching from home?
