Go see a Rays game. It's fun. I promise.

Last Saturday, those reborn Tampa Bay Rays — America's team! — drew more than 30,000 fans to Tropicana Field for a night game against the Baltimore Orioles. For a notoriously haunted building (that still continues to draw miserably), that crowd was downright Cecil B. DeMille-an. But the reason for this newsworthy surge in attendance was more than just wins and losses. For the first time in their history, the Rays are one of the best teams in the major leagues. But more than that, they have a crafty, cool marketing department. Saturday's victory was punctuated with a free show by none other than...the Commodores! "She's mighty mighty!"

Lionel Richie's former crew was the first in a string of postgame concerts that should jazz the joint this summer. (I'll be there, peeps. Come see me in Section 113.) This Saturday, after the Rays demolish the White Sox, country behemoth Trace Adkins will lead a group singalong of Honky Tonk Badonkadonk. Future shows will include Kool & the Gang, MC Hammer and Loverboy. Okay, so that's not exactly the white-hottest lineup. But let me tell you this: On Aug. 2, when the Rays down the woeful Tigers and get that much closer to the playoffs, it's gonna feel mighty good singing along to LL Cool J and Mama Said Knock You Out. "Don't call it a comeback...!"

The summer concerts are free with a game ticket; prices start at $9. Dates and performers (all games begin at 6:10 p.m except where noted) are Saturday (vs. White Sox), Trace Adkins; June 14 (vs. Marlins), Gilberto Santa Rosa; June 21 (vs. Astros), Kool & the Gang; July 5 (vs. Royals), Loverboy, 7:10 p.m.; July 19 (vs. Blue Jays), MC Hammer; and Aug. 2 (vs. Tigers), LL Cool J.

For tickets, call toll-free 1-888-326-7297 or go to www.tampabayrays.com.

Comments

[Marissa]

My 7th grade social studies teacher introduced us to The Commodores. On Friday he'd play music ... of his choice. Nothing freakier than pimple faced, greasy haired white kids singing "She's a brick -- house" and not having any freakin' idea what it meant!

[sparky]

Wouldn't it have made sense to schedule Loverboy when the Rays host the Toronto Blue Jays, being that both are Canadian. Hopefully Loverboy left the leather pants north of the border.

[jane]

Man, I'm kinda bummed I'm going to be out of town on my beach holiday when Kool & the Gang hits the field. That would have been awesome with a capital awes.

However, I might not be able to resist the double header of the Rays v. Jays and former Oakland A's batboy Mr. M.C. Hammer.

Hammer Time!

[Brad]

Sean,

It's nice to open up the sports section and see your Rays in first place in the AL East. Keep keepin' the Sox and Yankees down!

[Brad]

One more thing - that is quite possibly the greatest Sports Illustrated cover ever.

(Yes, including swimsuit issues.)

[Forever Fiancee]

Hmmmm...curious! The Rays are unbeatable in the same year their owners propose building a 100 zillion dollar waterfront stadium with gold beer taps and mink-covered stadium seats. Coincidence? I think not!

I suppose this means I have to stop nagging you about wasting money on Rays' season tickets. Damn! I'll have to find something else to nag you about.

[Sean Daly]

You know it, FF. By far the BEST thing about the Rays finally winning is not having to hear you make fun of my ticket investment.

[scooterbucs]

But if the Rays keep up their winning ways, you ticket investment will be the same price as your mortgage payment. Agree w/ Brad that it's a kick @$$ cover. Referencing Bazarro from the "Superfriends" cartoon of the 70's was a nice touch.

[Forever Fiancee]

Marissa - you'll get a kick out of this story: when I first met Sean (oh, so many years ago) he thought the lyrics to that Commodores song were "She's a BIG house." I kid you not!

Of course, that was long before Sean became the talented, dedicated, hard-working and conscientious music critic he is today*

*disclaimer for any editors and/or management of the St. Petersburg Times who may view, read or edit Sean Daly's work

[Sean Daly]

Aw jeez, will you EVER stop telling that story? And to Marissa of all people!

[sparky]

FF, are the owners financing the stadium with the retractable roof that resembles sails, or are the taxpayers financing the stadium. I'm sure if the taxpayers are the beer taps won't be the only thing lined with gold.

[sparky]

FF, take that back, you're making that up. How could SD, the all knowing god of all music think such a thing.

[Forever Fiancee]

Actually, Sparky, I think the Rays’ owners are hoping to find some magic beans because that’s the only way they are going to get the money to fund this thing.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m all for hometown sports teams and team spirit, but we’re in the middle of a recession, for Pete’s sake! Do we really need to spend money on a waterfront stadium with fancy amenities, but no parking?

The Rays have pledged some money towards this project, but most of it is supposed to come from city and county sales tax revenues. Which I suppose would be a good thing. Because if they raise my property taxes any higher I’ll have to start selling Sean’s vital organs on the black market!

[sparky]

After many years of polluting those vital organs with mass quantities of alcohol, you wouldn't be able to buy a beer at a Rays game.

[Bassnote]

I can't wait until they play the Cubs (June 17-19), then Sean and I can go toe to toe about who has the better team.

isn't daly an actual red sox fan who's just now jumped on the rays' bandwagon now that they're doing well? just asking.

[Sean Daly]

I've had a partial Rays ticket dealio for the past three seasons.

At the same time, my general mood for great chunks of my life was largely dictated by Jim Rice's performance at the plate. (So I basically peaked in 1978.) When he makes Cooperstown, I'll be there for No. 14. No doubt about it.

Analyze that, honkus.

[jane]

I totally get that, Mr. Daly. While I happily root for the Rays, I still can't help but check and see how the Braves are doing. Old habits die hard -- and for years, the boys from Atlanta, hapless and horrible as they were for much of the time, were the closet thing we had to a local team here. (Thanks, Ted Turner!)

[Sean Daly]

Was Dale Murphy your guy, Jane? Me, I always liked Bob Horner. That guy was a mountain with arms, but man could he rake. Loved that dude.

[jane]

Bob Horner, aka Tubby Tuba! With that curly blonde hair. Him running the bases was not a pretty sight. And Dale Murphy, a walking wholesome milk ad. Loved them.

However -- and this is a bit embarrassing, but what the hell -- the favorite player in the Wee Lass Jane family was one Biff Pocoroba, catcher. Only a household name in our house most likely. My brother adored the guy. Forget Dale and Bob and Chief Nocahoma -- when we made the pilgrimage up I-75 to Atlanta Fulton County Stadium to catch a game on the family vacation, we were all about Biff.

[CHAD]

now dont be dissing loverboy, their new cd is amazing. it sits alongside their classic material very nicely. fyi, its called just getting started.

[Marissa]

haha! She's a BIG house. That is so priceless. Sean, worry not. It only makes you more endearing to me.

FF, thanks for sharing that ... feel free to tell me more embarrassing stories.

[Al]

Sean, I thought Tom Cochrane was singing "Let's Learn French" instead of Lunatic Fringe.......so go figure.

I have to agree......excellent S-I Cover!