Eric Church headlines special guest lineup as Rays return to Trop

Country star to perform national anthem as Rays celebrate home opener after hurricane repairs

Apr. 6, 2026 at 12:49am

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The Tampa Bay Rays will welcome country music star Eric Church to perform the national anthem as part of a special pregame ceremony celebrating the team's long-awaited return to Tropicana Field for their home opener on Monday. The ballpark has undergone significant repairs over the past 18 months after being damaged by Hurricane Milton in October 2024. The Rays will also recognize the efforts of the repair workers and club staff who helped rebuild the Trop, and the ceremonial first pitch will be thrown by the mayors of St. Petersburg and Tampa.

Why it matters

The Rays' return to Tropicana Field after an extended road trip due to hurricane damage is a significant moment for the team and the Tampa Bay community. The special guest lineup, including a performance by acclaimed country artist Eric Church, adds an extra level of excitement and emotion to the occasion.

The details

Country music star Eric Church will perform the national anthem before the Rays' home opener on Monday, which will serve as a re-opening day celebration at Tropicana Field. Church is a seven-time Academy of Country Music Award winner and 11-time Grammy Award nominee who is also scheduled to perform in Tampa on Saturday as part of his 'Free The Machine Tour.' The ceremonial first pitch will be thrown by St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch and Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, representing the Rays' current and future home cities. The team will also recognize the repair workers and club staff who helped rebuild the Trop over the past 18 months after it was significantly damaged during Hurricane Milton in October 2024.

  • The Rays' home opener is scheduled for Monday, April 7, 2026.
  • Eric Church will perform the national anthem before the game.
  • Church is also scheduled to perform in Tampa on Saturday, April 5, 2026 as part of his 'Free The Machine Tour'.
  • The Trop has been undergoing repairs for the past 18 months since being damaged by Hurricane Milton in October 2024.

The players

Eric Church

A seven-time Academy of Country Music Award winner and 11-time Grammy Award nominee who will perform the national anthem before the Rays' home opener.

Ken Welch

The mayor of St. Petersburg, representing the Rays' current home city.

Jane Castor

The mayor of Tampa, representing the city where the Rays hope to build their future home.

Ken Babby

The CEO of the Tampa Bay Rays.

Shane McClanahan

The Rays' starting pitcher for the home opener.

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What they’re saying

“This is a special moment for our team and our community, and we are excited to welcome 'The Chief' to Tropicana Field to celebrate our return and this magnificent moment for the community.”

— Ken Babby, CEO, Tampa Bay Rays

What’s next

The Rays will look to build on the excitement of their home opener as they continue their season at Tropicana Field, hoping to make a deep playoff run after their extended time on the road.

The takeaway

The Rays' return to their home ballpark after hurricane-related repairs, coupled with the special guest appearances and community recognition, represents a significant moment of resilience and celebration for the team and the Tampa Bay region.