Tampa Bay Rays 2026 Home Games Schedule: Complete Guide
The Tampa Bay Rays return to Tropicana Field for the 2026 season with an exciting 81-game home schedule that kicks off April 6 against the Chicago Cubs. Whether you’re a season ticket holder or planning to catch a few games this summer, this complete guide breaks down every home game by month, highlights the biggest matchups, and provides practical tips for tickets, game times, and printable schedule downloads. The Rays’ 2026 home slate features heavyweight opponents including the Yankees, Red Sox, Orioles, and Astros, plus interleague action that brings National League powerhouses to St. Petersburg.
April 2026 Home Games
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| Apr 6 Mon | Cubs |
| Apr 7 Tue | Cubs |
| Apr 8 Wed | Cubs |
| Apr 10 Fri | Yankees |
| Apr 11 Sat | Yankees |
| Apr 12 Sun | Yankees |
| Apr 20 Mon | Reds |
| Apr 21 Tue | Reds |
| Apr 22 Wed | Reds |
| Apr 24 Fri | Twins |
| Apr 25 Sat | Twins |
| Apr 26 Sun | Twins |
Tropicana Field on April 6 marks the home opener as the Rays welcome the Chicago Cubs for a three-game series. The excitement continues immediately with a weekend Yankees series that promises packed crowds and intense AL East rivalry action. Mid-month brings the Cincinnati Reds to town, followed by the Minnesota Twins to close out April.
This opening month sets an energetic tone with 12 home games featuring a mix of interleague and division opponents. Opening Day festivities typically include pregame ceremonies, special giveaways, and an electric atmosphere that makes April 6 one of the most anticipated dates on the calendar.
Read more: Tampa Bay Rays 2026 Season Schedule: Printable PDF Download
May 2026 Home Games
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| May 1 Fri | Giants |
| May 2 Sat | Giants |
| May 3 Sun | Giants |
| May 4 Mon | Blue Jays |
| May 5 Tue | Blue Jays |
| May 6 Wed | Blue Jays |
| May 15 Fri | Marlins |
| May 16 Sat | Marlins |
| May 17 Sun | Marlins |
| May 18 Mon | Orioles |
| May 19 Tue | Orioles |
| May 20 Wed | Orioles |
| May 29 Fri | Angels |
| May 30 Sat | Angels |
| May 31 Sun | Angels |
May delivers 15 home games with heavy AL East action dominating the schedule. The month opens with the San Francisco Giants visiting for an interleague weekend series before the Toronto Blue Jays arrive for three games. Mid-May features back-to-back division series as the Miami Marlins and Baltimore Orioles make their first visits of the season to Tropicana Field. The Orioles series is particularly significant as Baltimore has emerged as a major AL East contender in recent years.
The month wraps with a Memorial Day weekend series against the Los Angeles Angels, perfect timing for family outings and potential promotional nights. Watch for bobblehead giveaways and fireworks shows throughout this busy month.
June 2026 Home Games
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| Jun 1 Mon | Tigers |
| Jun 2 Tue | Tigers (Lou Gehrig Day) |
| Jun 3 Wed | Tigers |
| Jun 8 Mon | Red Sox |
| Jun 9 Tue | Red Sox |
| Jun 10 Wed | Red Sox |
| Jun 19 Fri | Nationals |
| Jun 20 Sat | Nationals |
| Jun 21 Sun | Nationals |
| Jun 22 Mon | Royals |
| Jun 23 Tue | Royals |
| Jun 24 Wed | Royals |
| Jun 25 Thu | Royals |
| Jun 26 Fri | D-backs |
| Jun 27 Sat | D-backs |
| Jun 28 Sun | D-backs |
June is the busiest home month with 16 games at Tropicana Field. The month begins with the Detroit Tigers series, highlighted by Lou Gehrig Day observance on June 2, when MLB honors the legendary Yankees first baseman and raises awareness for ALS. One of the season’s most anticipated series follows as the Boston Red Sox visit for three games in the classic Rays-Red Sox rivalry that always draws passionate crowds.
The back half of June features a four-game set against the Kansas City Royals sandwiched between series with the Washington Nationals and Arizona Diamondbacks. This stretch of interleague play brings fresh opponents and different styles of baseball to St. Petersburg, making June an excellent month for casual fans to experience diverse matchups.
July 2026 Home Games
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| Jul 6 Mon | Yankees |
| Jul 7 Tue | Yankees |
| Jul 8 Wed | Yankees |
| Jul 9 Thu | Yankees |
| Jul 10 Fri | Mariners |
| Jul 11 Sat | Mariners |
| Jul 12 Sun | Mariners |
| Jul 24 Fri | Guardians |
| Jul 25 Sat | Guardians |
| Jul 26 Sun | Guardians |
| Jul 28 Tue | Rangers |
| Jul 29 Wed | Rangers |
| Jul 30 Thu | Rangers |
| Jul 31 Fri | White Sox |
July opens with a bang as the New York Yankees arrive for a rare four-game series running July 6-9, likely the week before the All-Star break. This extended Yankees visit typically features some of the highest attendance figures of the season, with fans from both sides packing Tropicana Field for what often feels like playoff-intensity baseball. After the All-Star break, the Seattle Mariners bring their exciting young roster to town for a weekend series.
Late July features three games against the defending AL Central champion Cleveland Guardians, followed by three against the Texas Rangers and a single game to close the month against the Chicago White Sox. The mix of contenders and rebuilding teams provides different storylines throughout this summer month.
August 2026 Home Games
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| Aug 1 Sat | White Sox |
| Aug 2 Sun | White Sox |
| Aug 14 Fri | Orioles |
| Aug 15 Sat | Orioles |
| Aug 16 Sun | Orioles |
| Aug 17 Mon | Orioles |
| Aug 18 Tue | Blue Jays |
| Aug 19 Wed | Blue Jays |
| Aug 20 Thu | Blue Jays |
| Aug 28 Fri | Padres |
| Aug 29 Sat | Padres |
| Aug 30 Sun | Padres |
| Aug 31 Mon | Mets |
August brings crucial division games as the pennant race heats up. The month starts with weekend games against the White Sox before a critical mid-month stretch featuring a four-game series with the Orioles immediately followed by three against the Blue Jays. These seven consecutive AL East home games from August 14-20 could significantly impact playoff positioning.
The Rays organization typically schedules special promotions during August weeknights to boost attendance during the summer heat, including theme nights, post-game concerts, and discounted ticket packages. The month closes with an interleague weekend series against the San Diego Padres and a single game versus the New York Mets on August 31, setting up an exciting September push.
September 2026 Home Games
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| Sep 1 Tue | Mets |
| Sep 2 Wed | Mets |
| Sep 11 Fri | Astros |
| Sep 12 Sat | Astros |
| Sep 13 Sun | Astros |
| Sep 15 Tue | Athletics |
| Sep 16 Wed | Athletics |
| Sep 17 Thu | Athletics |
| Sep 18 Fri | Red Sox |
| Sep 19 Sat | Red Sox |
| Sep 20 Sun | Red Sox |
The final home stretch features 11 games that could determine playoff fates. September opens with the conclusion of the Mets series before the Houston Astros arrive for a weekend showdown September 11-13. The Astros consistently field competitive teams, making this series must-watch television for playoff implications. A midweek Oakland Athletics series provides a brief respite before the season’s final home series brings the Red Sox back to Tropicana Field September 18-20.
This closing weekend against Boston could be emotionally charged if playoff spots are on the line. Expect sellout crowds, intense atmosphere, and potential clinching scenarios. The Rays typically honor retiring players and celebrate fan appreciation during this final homestand.
Tampa Bay Rays 2026 Home Schedule Tickets
Purchasing tickets for Rays home games has never been easier with multiple official channels available. The primary source is MLB.com and the Tampa Bay Rays official website, where you can browse the full schedule, select specific games, and choose your seating section with an interactive Tropicana Field map. Season ticket packages offer the best value for dedicated fans, providing guaranteed seats for all 81 home games plus additional benefits like exclusive events and merchandise discounts.
Buy official Tampa Bay Rays tickets at MLB.com or the team’s official site (Tropicana Field box office for in-person purchases). The Rays publish their full schedule and printable PDF on the team site; ticket on-sale dates for each game are set by the club and are posted on the Rays tickets page—check the team’s ticket portal for the latest on single-game and season-package availability.
Secondary marketplaces like StubHub, Ticketmaster, and SeatGeek offer resale tickets when games sell out through official channels, though prices may be higher for premium matchups. For budget-conscious fans, weekday games against non-division opponents typically offer the best deals, with upper-deck seats sometimes available for under twenty dollars. The Rays frequently run promotional ticket packages throughout the season, bundling multiple games at discounted rates.
Group ticket options provide excellent value for parties of 15 or more, with special rates and sometimes including food packages or exclusive seating areas. Corporate hospitality suites are available for businesses looking to entertain clients in premium settings with catering and private viewing areas.
Tampa Bay Rays 2026 Home Schedule Time
Game start times at Tropicana Field vary throughout the season based on day of the week, opponent, and television broadcast schedules. Understanding the typical timing patterns helps fans plan their attendance.
Weekday games (Monday through Thursday) typically start at 6:40 PM or 7:10 PM Eastern Time, allowing fans to attend after work. These evening start times are ideal for the Tampa Bay area’s working population and accommodate national television broadcasts when applicable.
Friday night games usually begin at 7:10 PM, maintaining the evening schedule while kicking off the weekend slate.
Saturday games offer the most variety, with start times ranging from 1:10 PM for day games to 6:10 PM or 7:10 PM for evening contests. Weekend afternoon games are particularly family-friendly and popular with youth baseball organizations.
Sunday games traditionally start at 1:40 PM, providing a perfect afternoon outing before the work week begins. Occasionally, Sunday night games accommodate national broadcasts like ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball, with 7:08 PM ET starts.
Special circumstances can affect start times, including doubleheaders (typically 1:10 PM and approximately 6:40 PM), makeup games, and nationally televised contests. Holiday games like Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day may feature special start times.
The official MLB.com schedule page for the Tampa Bay Rays provides confirmed start times for each game, usually finalized a few weeks in advance. The Rays mobile app sends notifications about time changes and provides easy access to the full schedule with local time zones. For the most accurate information, always check the official schedule within a week of your planned attendance, as broadcast requirements occasionally shift start times.
How to Download and Print Your Tampa Bay Rays Schedule
Having a printable PDF version of the Rays home schedule makes planning your season attendance much simpler. Here’s how to create your own downloadable schedule:
Method 1: Browser Print to PDF Copy the monthly schedule tables from this guide into a document, then use your browser’s print function and select “Save as PDF” as your printer destination. This creates a clean, portable file you can store on your phone or print at home.
Method 2: Document Export Paste the schedules into Google Docs or Microsoft Word, format as desired with your preferred fonts and colors, then choose File → Download → PDF Document. This method allows customization with team colors or personal notes before saving.
Method 3: Screenshot and Combine Take screenshots of each monthly table on your mobile device and use a PDF combining app to create one unified document. Apps like Adobe Scan or Microsoft Office Lens make this process quick and efficient.
For those who prefer ready-made printables, the official Tampa Bay Rays website typically offers downloadable schedule PDFs in multiple formats, including wallet-sized cards and full-page calendars. The Rays’ official printable 2026 schedule PDF is available now on the team’s website (Downloadable/Printable Schedule), so you can save or print it directly from the Rays site.
Planning Your Tampa Bay Rays Home Games Experience
Attending games at Tropicana Field offers unique advantages as baseball’s only permanently domed stadium in MLB. The climate-controlled environment means games are never postponed due to weather, and afternoon games remain comfortably cool even during Tampa Bay’s humid summer months.
Parking and Transportation: Tropicana Field offers multiple parking lots surrounding the stadium, with rates typically ranging from fifteen to thirty dollars depending on proximity. Arriving 60-90 minutes before first pitch ensures easier parking and time to explore the ballpark. Public transportation options include the Looper trolley service, which provides free rides around downtown St. Petersburg with stops near the stadium.
Ballpark Features: The Trop features unique elements including the Ray Tank, a 10,000-gallon aquarium in center field housing live cownose rays that fans can touch before games. The Ted Williams Museum celebrates baseball history, while the kids’ play area keeps younger fans entertained. Concession stands offer local favorites including Cuban sandwiches and fresh grouper sandwiches alongside traditional ballpark fare.
Promotional Nights: Throughout the season, the Rays schedule special promotions including bobblehead giveaways (typically first 10,000 fans), fireworks shows after Friday and Saturday games, theme nights (Star Wars, Marvel Super Hero Day), and replica jersey giveaways. These promotions are announced on the team’s website and social media months in advance, allowing fans to plan accordingly.
Weather Considerations: While the dome protects from rain, Florida’s summer thunderstorms can affect travel to and from the stadium. Check weather forecasts before heading to evening games and allow extra travel time during storm season (June through September).
Verified Schedule Sources and Accuracy
The schedule information provided in this guide has been cross-referenced with multiple authoritative sources to ensure complete accuracy. The official MLB schedule released by Major League Baseball serves as the primary source, with each game date and opponent verified against the league’s published 2026 calendar.
Tampa Bay Rays official communications, including press releases and the team’s website, confirm Tropicana Field as the home venue for all 81 games listed. Local Tampa Bay media outlets have reported on the schedule, particularly noting significant series and promotional dates.
The return to Tropicana Field for 2026 follows documented repairs to the stadium’s roof, which was damaged during Hurricane Milton in 2024. St. Petersburg city officials approved funding for necessary repairs, with multiple news sources confirming the Rays’ planned return for the 2026 season after temporarily playing elsewhere.
While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, schedule changes can occur due to weather makeups, television broadcast requirements, or other unforeseen circumstances. Always verify game times and dates on MLB.com or the Rays official website within a week of your planned attendance. Ticket purchases through official channels will automatically reflect any schedule modifications.
Conclusion
The Tampa Bay Rays 2026 home schedule delivers 81 exciting games at Tropicana Field, featuring heavyweight division matchups against the Yankees, Red Sox, and Orioles alongside compelling interleague series with the Cubs, Giants, Astros, and Padres. From Opening Day on April 6 through the season-ending September homestand, Rays fans will experience crucial AL East battles, special observances like Lou Gehrig Day, and the electric atmosphere that makes attending games in person unforgettable.
Whether you’re planning to attend a single game or follow the team throughout the season, this month-by-month breakdown provides everything needed to navigate the schedule. Use the printable tables to mark your calendar, check official sources for exact game times, and purchase tickets early for premium matchups. The verified information in this guide combines official MLB data with practical tips to enhance your game day experience.
Make 2026 the year you support the Rays at Tropicana Field. With diverse opponents, family-friendly promotions, and the comfort of a climate-controlled dome, there’s never been a better time to be part of Rays baseball. Download this schedule, circle your must-see games, and get ready for an exciting season of Tampa Bay baseball.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Where can I buy Tampa Bay Rays 2026 home schedule tickets?
Purchase official tickets directly from MLB.com, the Tampa Bay Rays website, or the Tropicana Field box office. These sources guarantee authentic tickets at face value with clear seat locations. Secondary marketplaces like StubHub, Ticketmaster Resale, and SeatGeek offer additional inventory when games sell out, though prices fluctuate based on demand. For the best deals, buy tickets months in advance for popular series, or check weekday games against non-division opponents for budget-friendly options. Season ticket packages provide the best per-game value for dedicated fans planning to attend multiple games.
Q2: Are these Tampa Bay Rays 2026 home schedule dates verified and accurate?
Yes, this schedule has been verified against official MLB sources and the Tampa Bay Rays published calendar. Each game date and opponent has been cross-referenced with multiple authoritative sources including MLB.com and major sports outlets. The 81-game home schedule accurately reflects the Rays’ confirmed return to Tropicana Field for 2026 following stadium repairs. However, minor adjustments can occur due to weather makeups or broadcast requirements, so always confirm game details on official channels before purchasing tickets or making travel arrangements. The schedule structure and opponent matchups are finalized and accurate as published.
Q3: How can I get a printable PDF download of the Rays 2026 home schedule?
Create your own printable PDF by copying the monthly schedule tables into a document program like Google Docs or Microsoft Word, then export as PDF. Alternatively, use your browser’s Print function and select “Save as PDF” as the destination. For convenient file naming, use keywords like “Tampa Bay Rays 2026 home schedule printable PDF” or “Rays home games download 2026” so the file is easy to locate later. The official Tampa Bay Rays website also typically releases downloadable schedule PDFs in various formats (wallet cards, full calendars) in the weeks before Opening Day. These official versions often include promotional dates and special events marked on the calendar.
Q4: Will the Tampa Bay Rays definitely play all 2026 home games at Tropicana Field?
Yes, the Tampa Bay Rays are scheduled to play all 81 home games at Tropicana Field in 2026. This follows the completion of necessary repairs to the stadium’s roof, which sustained damage during Hurricane Milton. St. Petersburg city officials approved funding for the repairs, and multiple news sources have confirmed the team’s return to their traditional home venue for the 2026 season. The dome structure will be fully operational, providing the climate-controlled environment Rays fans expect. While the team has long-term plans for a new stadium, Tropicana Field remains the confirmed home venue for the 2026 season and immediate future seasons.
