TAMPA, Fla. — Are you ready for some baseball?
- 'Fan Fest' celebrates the start of baseball season
- Fans say they'll support Rays no matter the uncertainty
- They also say support for Rays needs to continue year-round
Spring training and opening day is right around the corner and on Saturday, thousands of fans packed Tropicana Field for the annual Fan Fest.
The event connects the community with their favorite Tampa Bay Rays to celebrate the start of baseball season.
"I've always loved baseball from the day I came out of the womb," fan Mike Lowery said.
Lately, the team has been surrounded by uncertainty. Up until recently, fans thought the Rays would be moving to Ybor City, but that plan fell through.
"We need a more modern stadium. I like the innovative ideas that the rays were bringing to the table about a new ball park," fan Sherry Langlais said.
Even though Tropicana Field was full this weekend, many fans say that support needs to continue year round.
"They're eager to play, they work hard, and they deserve a better fan base," Lowery said.
Whether it’s moving to a new city or building a new stadium, Rays officials said they’re committed to staying in the area and fans said they will follow.
“We want them to stay here of course. We're excited we cheer for them every time, so as long as they're in the Tampa Bay area, we are going to go see them play," fan Mike Barbaro said.
As of right now, no set stadiums are in place.
Last week, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said they’re committed to the region and that finding the Rays a new home in St. Petersburg is an alternative, and that there may be another opportunity on the Tampa side at some point in the process.