The Tampa Bay Rays are doing away with paper tickets in 2020, with admission for all home games at Tropicana Field to be distributed via the MLB Ballpark mobile app.
For the Rays, the switch away from paper tickets in 2020 comes after the team implemented mobile-only ticket distribution for home games during the 2019 postseason. Beginning with the coming season, all tickets for home games will be available exclusively in the Ballpark app on a mobile device. As part of that policy, paper tickets–including print-at-home and PDF versions–will not be made available or accepted by the team.
“Over the past decade, the tremendous growth of mobile technology and content has revolutionized the sports and entertainment industry,” Rays President Brian Auld said in a press statement. “Our fans have come to expect the same convenient and interactive mobile experience that they get through other first-class national brands. Making the mobile platform a central piece of the fan experience is critical to driving fan satisfaction.”
Notably, the Rays are implementing their new mobile tickets policy after making Tropicana Field a cash-free sports venue last season.
The switch to mobile tickets was announced in a press release issued by the team on Tuesday. In a separate announcement made Wednesday, the Rays unveiled details on their Ballpark Pass subscription option for this season. For a monthly fee of $36, subscription holders will be able to access a standing room ticket to any game at Tropicana Field.