Rays home opener a sellout

I think Tuesday’s home opener is the second-most anticipated in the Tampa Bay Rays 11-year history.

The first-ever game would be tops, but only because it was the first game in team history.

But Tuesday’s game against Seattle is anticipated because Rays fans and those who cover the team think the Rays actually have a chance to be competitive this year. I won’t say the team has turned the corner – they still need more pitching – but at least they are in the intersection with their turn signal on.

Anyway, Tuesday’s game sold out more than 24 hours before first pitch – something like 27 hours – which makes it the earliest a game has sold out since that first one back on March 31, 1998.

The crowd should be around 36,000 for the 7:10 p.m. start, which is what the Rays call a sellout these days since they’ve stopped selling a portion of seats near the top of the Tropicana Field.

Actually, there are a limited number of restricted view, handicap and single seats available that don’t count against a sellout.

Go to www.raysbaseball.com or call Ticketmaster at (727) 898-7297 if you want in.