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MLB’s Rays to back away from paper tickets in 2020

The Tampa Bay Rays Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise announced it will no longer accept paper tickets, with all future ticketing to be done through the MLB Ballpark app.

The app allows fans to purchase tickets and enter the 42,735-capacity Tropicana Field, as well as find venue information on parking, concessions and event logistics. It will also power mobile payments and fan rewards for supporters during the 2020 season and beyond.

Paper tickets, including print-at-home and PDF versions, are not available or accepted, with all Rays home game ticket exclusively available on the Ballpark app.

The Rays, which averaged a gate of 14,734 in 2019 – the second lowest in the league, said they are “building on lessons from a cash-free initiative and mobile-only postseason ticket distribution in 2019,” after using a similar mobile only ticket policy for the playoff games last season.

Rays president Brian Auld, said: “Over the past decade, the tremendous growth of mobile technology and content has revolutionised the sports and entertainment industry.

“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.”

The Florida team has also begun shifting single-game passes on general sale across all outlets, including the Rays Republic Team Store at Tropicana Field, by phone, online at RaysBaseball.com or in the Ballpark app.

There will be the usual pre-sales for season-ticket holders, corporate sponsors and Rays Insiders this morning (Thursday), prior to general public sales on Friday.

Image: Eric Kilby