St. Petersburg, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Rays are set to welcome the Milwaukee Brewers to Tropicana Field on Wednesday for Game 5 of the World Series, with the first pitch scheduled for 8:08 p.m. Fans can enter the ballpark as early as 5 p.m., while parking opens at 3 p.m. Pre‑paid parking is required, and the team encourages early arrival to enjoy batting practice, which begins at 5 p.m. before the Brewers take the field.
Special Guests and Traditions
Long‑time Rays broadcaster Dewayne Staats will throw out the ceremonial first pitch, marking his more than seven‑decade tenure with the club. Julie Falcon will sing the national anthem, accompanied by Kat Atwood signing in American Sign Language, and the United States Special Operations Command Joint Service Color Guard will present the colors.
New Food, Drink and Merchandise
Game‑day concessions feature the “Taste of October” stand on the Budweiser Porch, where fans can order an 18‑ounce Wagyu bone‑in “Clubhouse Tomahawk” ribeye steak—a menu item inspired by Yandy Diaz’s recent clubhouse celebration. Other premium options include stone‑crab claws for $99, a surf‑and‑turf pairing for $209, and upscale desserts such as helmet gelato and cookie platters. Several concourse bars will serve commemorative cocktails, including the Championship Cowbell and the World Series Spritz.
Accessibility and Environmental Initiatives
MLB’s Green Team will collect recyclables between innings, and MLB Green is contributing $10,000 to Tampa Bay Watch for habitat restoration and marine cleanup. For guests needing a quieter environment, the Rays have partnered with KultureCity to provide sensory bags at the First Base Food Hall and a dedicated Sensory Room in Suite 45 on the 200 level, developed with the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities.
Security and Entry Policies
The stadium’s clear‑bag policy limits bags to single‑compartment transparent PVC or plastic no larger than 12 × 6 × 12 inches, with small non‑clear clutches restricted to 5 × 7 inches. Fans may use standard digital tickets or enroll in biometric Go‑Ahead Entry lanes (available to guests 18 and older).
Additional In‑Stadium Attractions
Other features for the night include the renovated Cownose Clubhouse in right‑center field, interactive speed‑pitch and batting cages at the lower gates, historical memorabilia alcoves in left field, and a 50/50 raffle supporting the Rays Up Foundation with a guaranteed $50,000 jackpot.
Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.
