ST. PETERSBURG, FL-The Tampa Bay Rays have refined its ticket pricing structure, holding the line on ticket prices for a wide range of its 2010 home games.  Under the new format released today, tickets for nearly 40 percent of Rays games at Tropicana Field will be at or below ticket prices for 2009 when the Rays were named by ESPN the Magazine as "the most affordable team in professional sports."

"We were proud to be recognized as the best value in all of professional sports and that's a title we plan to retain," said Rays President Matt Silverman.  "During these challenging times, we want Tropicana Field to continue to be an enjoyable place that families can afford.  The objective for our 2010 pricing is to ensure that Rays games remain an affordable family entertainment option."

"The best way to see a Rays game continues to be as a season ticket holder.  It's our best value by far," said Mark Fernandez, Rays Senior Vice President and Chief Sales Officer.  "Season ticket holders have access to our best seat locations at up to a 33 percent discount off individual game prices."  Season ticket holders also have the guaranteed opportunity to purchase Rays postseason ticket packages.

For 2010, there will be five categories of individual ticket pricing: Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze.  This new price structure includes tickets priced as low as $12 for more than 50 games and $10 for more than 30 games.  Pricing on Bronze games starts at just $8 for an Upper Reserved or tbt* Party Deck ticket.

Diamond games are weekend games vs. the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox.  Platinum games include all other Saturday games, weekday games versus the Yankees and Red Sox as well as Opening Day, April 6 vs. the Baltimore Orioles.  Gold games include the remaining Friday and Sunday games.  Silver games include the remaining weekday games except for five select Bronze games.

A complete breakdown of pricing after the jump.

Diamond                                       Platinum             Gold                Silver              Bronze

Seating Section                            (9 games)        (20 games)       (20 games)       (27 games)        (5 games)

Home Plate Club                                 NA                    NA                    NA                    NA                    NA

Whitney Bank Club                             $175                 $155                 $125                 $115                 $100

Club 105                                            $130                 $120                 $100                  $90                   $80

Fieldside Box                                    $140                 $115                  $90                   $85                   $70

Lower Infield Box                               $100                  $80                   $65                   $55                   $45

Lower Box                                          $65                   $60                   $48                   $42                   $33

Press Level                                        $50                   $45                   $36                   $29                   $22

Baseline Box                                      $40                   $35                   $30                   $22                   $18

Loge Box                                           $40                   $35                   $30                   $22                   $18

Outfield                                              $27                   $24                   $20                   $17                   $12

Upper Box                                          $23                   $20                   $15                   $13                    $8

Upper Reserved / *tbt Party Deck        $20                   $18                   $12                   $10                    $8

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For the fifth consecutive year, the Rays will continue to provide carpoolers access to free parking in team-controlled lots.  As in 2009, vehicles with four or more passengers will continue to park free for all Bronze and Sunday games. For all other games, the first 100 cars with four or more will park for free up to an hour before game time, with other main lot Tropicana Field parking rates ranging from $10 to $20 per vehicle.

"Keeping some level of free parking available at all games is important to us, especially for Sunday and Bronze games because we recognize those dates will be popular with families," said Silverman.  "We also continue to be one of the few teams that allow fans to bring food and select beverages to games.  It's part of how we can ensure our games remain an affordable experience."  

Sundays will continue to be "Family Fun Days."  Those dates feature discounted ticket options for families, special promotional giveaways for kids and the opportunity for youngsters to run the bases after the game.

The Rays will also introduce a new Upper Box Seat seating category that will include the first 11 rows between the bases in the upper deck.  Depending on the game, those tickets will range in price from $8 to $23.

Group party area reservations are currently being accepted for the 2010 season.  For information on purchasing group tickets or to reserve a group party area or suite, fans can call 888-FAN-RAYS.

Place your reservation for 2010 Rays Season Tickets.  Ensure the best seats, biggest savings and all the great benefits. Call 888-FAN-RAYS or visit raysbaseball.com, raysbeisbol.com, or visit the Rays office at Tropicana Field or the Rays Tampa office at 400 N. Tampa St. today.

111 days until pitchers and catchers report.