Fan Fest Scheduled for February 18th

The 2012 Tampa Bay Rays Fan Fest presented by MetroPCS is scheduled for Saturday, February 18 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Tropicana Field. The event is also sponsored by Chevrolet, Sweetbay Supermarket and Tradewinds Island Resorts. Admission and parking are free.

This year’s Fan Fest will feature an unprecedented number of activities for kids. Youth stations include clinics by Rays coaches, “Reading with the Rays,” kids running the bases, high five stations with Rays players, photos with Rays mascot Raymond and DJ Kitty, baseball interactive activities for all ages and appearances by Rays players and coaches at various stations throughout the day.

A donation to the ALS Association will allow fans to receive a wristband which grants the opportunity to get autographs from Rays players and coaches. Rays TV and radio broadcasters and more than 25 former major league players will also sign autographs for free throughout the day.

Also:

• Maddon will serve up his Thanksmas meal (for purchase via raysbaseball.com)
• Players will be reading to kids throughout the days
• The yardsale returns! Last year, it raised $80K for charity and marketing told me yesterday that they have unearthed some great surprises for this year's sale
• Interactive zone returns
• Kids can run the bases and get high fives from players
• Panel discussions will happen throughout the day