NewsWFLA News Channel 8October 26, 2026Hillsborough County
Rays World Series Game 3: Former Manager Joe Maddon to throw first pitch and Carly Pearce to sing National Anthem
Photo: WFLA News Channel 8
Former Tampa Bay Rays Manager Joe Maddon will throw the ceremonial first pitch at 8:08 p.m. on Monday as the team returns to Tropicana Field for their first home game of the World Series. Country singer Carly Pearce will perform the National Anthem, and parking lots will open at 3 p.m. ahead of 5 p.m. gate openings.
Read the full story at WFLA News Channel 8Why It Matters
Fans attending Game 3 at Tropicana Field face adjusted arrival timelines, new retail pop-up hours, and specialized local food and beverage offerings.
Key Facts
- Parking lots at Tropicana Field open at 3 p.m. on Monday for the World Series home game.
- Stadium gates open at 5 p.m., featuring batting practice and a new Bay Republic Team Store pop-up location outside Gate 1.
- Former Rays Manager Joe Maddon will throw the ceremonial first pitch, with the game scheduled to begin at 8:08 p.m.
- MLB Green is donating $10,000 to Tampa Bay Watch on behalf of the Tampa Bay Rays in conjunction with presenting the Roberto Clemente Award.
- A pregame presentation will feature 150 service members from MacDill Air Force Base, with the Color Guard presented by the MacDill Air Force Base Honor Guard.
- Special culinary items include an 18-ounce Wagyu bone-in ribeye steak called the Clubhouse Tomahawk for $18 and stone crab claws priced at $99.
Who's Mentioned
OrganizationTampa Bay Watch“Recipient of a $10,000 donation from MLB Green on behalf of the Tampa Bay Rays.”PersonDJ Kitty“Mascot for the Tampa Bay Rays.”PersonRaymond“Mascot for the Tampa Bay Rays.”OrganizationU.S. Central Command“Military command based at MacDill Air Force Base.”locationTropicana Field“Stadium hosting World Series Game 3 in St. Petersburg, Florida.”locationMacDill Air Force Base“Base providing service members and Honor Guard for the pregame presentation.”OrganizationNew York Mets“Major League Baseball team of Francisco Lindor.”OrganizationMilwaukee Brewers“Opposing team holding post-gate batting practice.”OrganizationU.S. Special Operations Command“Military command based at MacDill Air Force Base.”PersonYandy Diaz“Designated hitter for the Tampa Bay Rays who inspired the Clubhouse Tomahawk.”PersonFrancisco Lindor“New York Mets shortstop honored by Major League Baseball.”PersonCarly Pearce“Performer singing the National Anthem before Game 3.”Organization6th Air Refueling Wing“Military unit based at MacDill Air Force Base.”PersonJoe Maddon“Former manager of the Tampa Bay Rays.”OrganizationTampa Bay Rays“Professional baseball team playing in the World Series at Tropicana Field.”