Following the horrific attack at Orlando’s Pulse nightclub in the early morning hours of last Sunday, the Tampa Bay Rays came up with a great way to help those affected.
While Friday night was scheduled to be “Pride Night” at Tropicana Field, the Rays upped the ante with an announcement that they were dedicating the night to the Pulse nightclub victims and that included the money made. All proceeds from ticket sales, which were reduced to $5 for all open seats at The Trop, were to be given to charities benefiting the victims.
What resulted was the best-attended regular season home game in over a decade with 40,135 people in attendance.
Video: Centerfield view of national anthem before sold-out Rays-Giants game on Pride Night at Tropicana Field. pic.twitter.com/aBgVj5dAK5
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) June 17, 2016
All-told, the Rays raised roughly $300,000 that will now go to those in need in Orlando.
The family of Amanda Alvear, a Pulse victim, is with us tonight. We are #AlvearStrong. pic.twitter.com/kSd0JjLcvm
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) June 18, 2016
Not only were tickets drastically discounted, but fans who attended the game also got Orlando Pride t-shirts and could take part in blood drives on Friday beforehand.
Baseball night in America pic.twitter.com/YdOhfGrS2S
— Martin Fennelly (@mjfennelly) June 17, 2016
As an added bonus, the Rays even sported old-school Orlando Rays caps in honor of the night on the field. The Rays lost the game to the Giants but they did a whole lot of good in the meantime.
[Deadspin]