The Rays yesterday "rolled out details of their 20th anniversary season, embracing their Devil Rays past and several key players from that era with throwback jerseys and bobbleheads among a long list of promotions," according to Marc Topkin of the TAMPA BAY TIMES. The Rays also will be "offering 20th anniversary-themed ticket specials and an exclusive line of merchandise, and will sport a sleeve patch with the 20th anniversary logo" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 2/8). Topkin notes the old Devil Rays logo and multi-hued colors are being "resurrected in giveaways, merchandise and throwback jerseys." A 20th anniversary logo patch, "featuring the old devil ray and the current burst, will be worn on the left sleeve of their regular-season jerseys and right side of their caps." For four games the team will "wear throwback white Devil Rays jerseys with the gradient logo in full-color glory." The '98 inaugural team will be "celebrated on March 31." Coinciding with the anniversary, the Rays have a "new concessions and retail partner in Levy, and in tandem are making major changes." That includes what the Rays say is a $4M investment in "capital improvements to renovate, upgrade and modernize the facilities and experience, including creating 'food halls' in the first and third base concourses and 'major updates' to the centerfield Porch and team store" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 2/8).
