Marlins pitching coach Larry Rothschild is named manager. The Rays take the field for the first time as a team, beating Florida State 6-3. A Dillard's executive cancels orders for any more Rays merchandise after the team's managing general partner, Vince Naimoli, chews out the chain's brass because he is upset with Dillard's for using the team's uniform logo without permission. The Rays play their first game in Tropicana Field, an exhibition game against the Atlanta Braves. The Rays get their first win, 11-8 over the Tigers before 30,109.
Rays reduce price of most season tickets, raise price of most single-game tickets.
Rays say they won't raise ticket prices for 2000. Team announces reduction in home games on TV, hoping to attract more fans to home games. The St. Petersburg High School band is scheduled to play the national anthem before the game, but cancels because the team wants to charge band members admission. Rays unveil new uniforms, logo, color scheme and shortened name, eliminating Devil from lettering across chest. Naimoli draws a sour reaction from the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce after chastising the host hotel for failing to renew its season tickets.