10.03.2023

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Today’s Forecast

A great excuse to have a hot dog 🌭

TBAY’s guide to the Rays’ 2023 postseason

Photo of Tropicana Field from up high during a Rays game. Players are out on the field and there are fans in blue seats around the stadium under floodlights.

Take me out to the ball game. | Photo via TBAYtoday

Dust off that old glove — the Tampa Bay Rays are heading to the postseason for the fifth year in a row. Haven’t watched a game all season? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a guide on how to hopefully enjoy the next few weeks.

Story of the season

How did the Rays get here? It has been a historic year for the team who started off the season with 13 straight wins — that’s a joint record in the modern era, tying the 1982 Atlanta Braves and the 1987 Milwaukee Brewers.

That was the catalyst to a 99-win regular season, the second most in franchise history.

What’s next?

The Rays are the fourth seed in the American League, meaning they need to win three rounds of games to reach the World Series.

The Texas Rangers are up first in the best-of-three Wild Card Round at the Trop. The first game starts today at 3:08 p.m.

Victory would move the Rays on to the best-of-five Division Series, to face either the Houston Astros or Baltimore Orioles. After that, there’s a seven-game Championship Series before the big show begins.

A mannequin wearing Rays gear is standing in front of the field at Tropicana Field. The mannequin is holding a baseball bat, wearing a Rays jacket and also wearing a hat. — Don’t move or you might miss the action.
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Photo by Tampa Bay Rays

Facts to knock your friends out of the park

It might be shocking to hear this about a team from Champa Bay, but the Rays have never won a World Series in their 26-year history.

However, the team has been close to glory twice, losing the series in 2008 to the Philadelphia Phillies, and more recently losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the COVID-impacted 2020 season.

How to watch

Tickets are on sale for the postseason at the Trop, starting as low as $30.

If you prefer cheaper refreshments, here’s how to take in the action from home. The Wild Card Round will be shown on the ESPN networks, before Fox Sports takes over. You can stream games on Fubo, which offers a free trial.

Don’t have a TV? There are also dozens of Rays bars around TBAY sure to be streaming the games.

Game on.

Asked

Which would you prefer?

A. The Rays win the World Series
B. The Lightning win the Stanley Cup
C. The Buccaneers win the Super Bowl
D. I just hope everyone has fun

Take a swing at this one

Events

Tuesday, Oct. 3

Irish Dancing Class | Tuesday, Oct. 3 | 4:45-6:30 p.m. | Studio@620, 622 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg | Free | You don’t need experience to try out this Irish dancing class — open to ages five and up.
Intl Boat Builders Exhibition & Conference | Tuesday, Oct. 3-Thursday, Oct. 5 | Tampa Convention Center, 333 S. Franklin St., Tampa | $50 | Those in the boat building trade can head down to meet industry leaders and see the latest in the field’s innovation.

Wednesday, Oct. 4

Introduction to Ancestry Library Edition | Wednesday, Oct. 4 | 4-5 p.m. | Arthenia L. Joyner University Area Community Library, 13619 N. 22nd St., Tampa | Free | Learn more about tracing your heritage online and find out more about your roots.
Sunset Yoga at St. Pete Pier | Wednesday, Oct. 4 | 7-8 p.m. | Spa Beach Park, 600 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg | Free | The Body Electric Yoga Company leads a practice for all skill levels — register to score 10% off your bill at the Pier’s Driftwood Cafe.
Scary-Oke | Wednesday, Oct. 4 | 8 p.m. | Spookeasy Lounge, 1909 N. 15th St., Tampa | Raise your voice at this Halloween-themed karaoke night with BOGO Kava and $1 wings.

Thursday, Oct. 5

Florida Orchestra — Take Flight | Thursday, Oct. 5 | 11 a.m. | Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg | $25-47 | This show features music inspired by birds including selections from Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet, “Swan Lake.”

Friday, Oct. 6

Spookala Tampa | Friday, Oct. 6-Sunday, Oct. 8 | Times vary | Florida State Fair, 4800 US Hwy. 301 N., Tampa | $30 | This horror convention is sure to send a shiver up your spine with celebrity appearances, photo ops + a bunch of spooky vendors.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Announced

Calling all thrill seekers. Busch Gardens is building yet another roller coaster. The theme park has announced its tenth coaster, “Phoenix Rising,” will open in Spring 2024. The new family-friendly coaster will swing riders side to side + feature a soundtrack. (Fox 13)

Coming Soon

Hyde Park Village is getting a new Asian restaurant. Ro describes itself as a “modern Asian + sushi concept” and will be led by head chef Kiichi Okabe of Michelin-star fame. Stay tuned for an official opening date. (That’s So Tampa)

Ranked

No. 6. That’s where Tampa was just ranked on a list of the country’s best cities for foodies. St. Pete featured high too, coming in at No. 49. Findings were reached using factors like affordability + diversity of choice. (Wallet Hub)

Pets

The Humane Society of Pinellas is doing its part to find homes for its furry inhabitants. The shelter at 3040 FL-590, Clearwater, is taking part in a nationwide Empty the Shelters event through Sunday, Oct. 15 with reduced adoption fees. Your new best friend could be waiting.

Arts

The Broadway sensation “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” is coming to TBAY. The Straz Center is hosting performances from Feb. 7-18. The show has won 10 Tony Awards during its time on stage. Presale tickets are already up for grabs. (That’s So Tampa)

Cause

Wondering how nonprofits are faring in Pinellas County? Leaders are meeting tomorrow morning at the Center for Health Equity in St. Pete where they will go over the results of a recent survey + the public is invited. (St. Pete Catalyst)

Outdoors

Tomorrow is National Golf Lovers Day. Why not play a round in TBAY to celebrate the occasion? After all, it is a notoriously relaxing thing to do. Check out our golf guide to find the perfect 18 holes near you.

Arts

ICYMI, “DUNE” is debuting at Water Street Tampa this Friday. With its hundreds of interactive LED lights + sounds, “DUNE” explores nature in a futuristic relation to urban space and people. The free exhibition’s entrance is located at Sparkman Wharf next to Splitsville near the water.*

Wellness

Make this fall a season of personal growth and warmth. Nearly 5 million people get professional online therapy with BetterHelp — try it for 25% off today.*

Answered

Last week we asked “Which fall festivals do you get most excited about?” and here’s what you said:

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park with the sun shining on the side of the tall buildings. Several people are in the park — some are walking around and some are sitting down together. — Picture yourself here holding a stein full of beer + watching a game of keg stacking.
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Photo via TBAYtoday

It turns out TBAY readers are pretty split on the best activities to do during the fall. Here’s pumpkin to think about:

37% of you get most excited about fall foodie fests
26% look forward to the season’s music festivals
21% chose Oktoberfest celebrations
16% said they enjoy spooky Halloween activities

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Patrick

From the editor

How nice is that breeze? It feels like it’s finally cooling down — can’t wait to shake the cobwebs off my sweaters.

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