Tampa Bay Rays ALDS: How to watch, and tips for in-person attendance

Whether you’ll be watching from your couch, the Trop, or a bar, we’ve got you covered.

The time is upon us, the stage is set. The Wild Card determined which AL East rival the Rays would face in the first round of postseason play, and on Thursday night the Rays and Boston Red Sox will go toe-to-toe for the 20th time this year, but this time what’s a stake is so much higher.

In 2020 the Rays made it all the way to the World Series and they’re ready for a repeat trip, but they’ve got to get through the next round, and that means we’ll all be sitting on the edge of our seating waiting to see what drama unfolds in the 2021 postseason.

With that in mind, we wanted to cover all of our bases in terms of how and where you can watch these games, and provide some tips if you’re lucky enough to be attending the games in person.

Where to Watch (TV) and Listen (Radio)

Game 1 - Thu., Oct. 7: 8:07 p.m. ET
Watch: FS1
Listen: Rays Radio | ESPN

Game 2 - Fri., Oct. 8: 7:02 p.m. ET
Where: FS1
Listen: Rays Radio | ESPN

Game 3 - Sun., Oct 10: 4:07 p.m. ET
Where: MLBN
Listen: Rays Radio | ESPN

Game 4 - Mon, Oct. 11*: Time TBA
Where: FS1
Listen: Rays Radio | ESPN

Game 5 - Wed., Oct. 13*: Time TBA
Where: FS1
Listen: Rays Radio | ESPN

*if necessary

Rays Radio broadcasters are Dave Wills, Andy Freed, and Neil Solondz. The audio from Rays Radio MLB Postseason broadcasts is available at local affiliates, and is available to stream on the MLB At Bat app and on Sirius XM Channel 89.

ESPN Radio broadcasters will be Dan Shulman and Xavier Scruggs. The audio from ESPN Radio MLB Postseason broadcasts is available to stream on the ESPN app, ESPNRadio.com, and Sirius XM Channel 80.

Away Game Watch Parties

ALDS Games 3 & 4 (if necessary) Watch Parties, presented by Budweiser
Dates: Sunday, October 10 and Monday, October 11
Time: TBD based on broadcast schedule
Location: Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin Street, Tampa, FL 33602

ALDS Games 3 & 4 (if necessary) Watch Parties, presented by Budweiser
Dates: Sunday, October 10 and Monday, October 11
Time: TBD based on broadcast schedule
Location: St. Pete Pier, 800 2nd Avenue NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Tips for In-Person Attendance

The following tips and guidelines have been provided by the Tampa Bay Rays directly.

The Tampa Bay Rays encourage fans attending Games 1 and 2 of the American League Division Series at Tropicana Field to arrive early and consider alternative parking options. First pitch of Game 1 of the ALDS is slated for 8:07 p.m. tonight at Tropicana Field. Large crowds are expected, and fans are asked to plan ahead. Important information for those attending:

Transportation and Parking

• All Rays lots open four hours before first pitch for every Postseason game.
• Limited parking is available in Rays controlled parking lots for purchase by credit or debit card only. Cash is not accepted.
• Rays parking lots are expected to fill. Fans are encouraged to consider rideshare options and arrive early.
• Parking will also be available in city-owned garages in downtown St. Petersburg, and a free shuttle service will be provided.
• For links to directions to Tropicana Field, a parking map and information on the free shuttle, please visit RaysBaseball.com/Postseason.

Mobile Ticketing

• Postseason tickets are mobile-only, available on the free MLB Ballpark app. Fans are encouraged to download the app and access their tickets before arriving at Tropicana Field.
• Paper tickets and screenshots of tickets are not accepted.
• The box office is not open for the sale of tickets. All tickets can be purchased online at RaysBaseball.com or through the MLB Ballpark app with a credit or debit card only.
• For frequently asked questions and instructional guides on how to view, manage, or forward tickets, visit RaysBaseball.com/Mobile.

Health & Safety Procedures

• Per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, masks are optional at Tropicana Field for guests fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Fans age 2 and older who are not fully vaccinated are required to wear a mask at all times.
• For further details on the enhanced health and safety measures, please visit RaysBaseball.com/HealthandSafety.

Security & Gate Information

• All persons entering Tropicana Field pass through security screening.
• Small purses (no larger than 16” x 8”) are permitted to be carried in the ballpark. No backpacks, coolers, large banners, refillable containers nor weapons of any type are allowed. Exceptions are made for bags containing medically necessary supplies and diaper bags for childcare.
• Gates open two hours before first pitch. A list of closest gates by seating section is available at RaysBaseball.com/Postseason.
• One sealed personal-sized bottle of water is allowed. No other food or beverages are permitted.
• Re-entry is not permitted.

Cash-Free

• In an effort to reduce wait times, get fans back to their seats faster, and allow for less contact between fans and staff, Tropicana Field remains cash-free.
• Mobile payments, Rays Pay via the MLB Ballpark app and credit and debit cards are accepted for all concessions and merchandise purchases.
• Limited tickets are still available at RaysBaseball.com.

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However you watch the game, we’ll be cheering together.