Tampa Bay Rays no longer accepting cash at Tropicana Field

The Tampa Bay Rays are no longer accepting cash at Tropicana Field. It is an interesting decision to say the least.

Given the Tampa Bay Rays struggles to draw fans to Tropicana Field, one would imagine that the franchise would want to make the ballpark experience as painless as possible. This would include accepting any form of payment, such as cash, check, or credit cards. Even American Express, for those of us old enough to remember those advertisements.

Instead, the Rays are taking a different path. Cash will no longer be an acceptable form of currency at Tropicana Field, as the Rays will only accept credit cards and Rays cards, which can be purchased.

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Fortunately for the Rays coaching staff, there is one form of cash that will still be acceptable. Kevin Cash does not appear to be in any danger of losing his job over this decision, especially as he signed an extension through 2024. Although, chances are, he will be paid through direct deposit.

All obligatory managerial puns aside, this is an interesting decision for the Rays to make. They are already set to close the upper portions of Tropicana Field due to attendance issues. By no longer accepting cash, and presumably making fans convert their currency to Rays Cards, this may well force other potential patrons away from the park.

Understandably, the Rays need to do whatever they can in order to remain viable in Tampa Bay. However, with the hope for a new ballpark in the area all but gone, one has to wonder if the Rays are trying to force Major League Baseball’s hand. If attendance continues to decline, and nothing happens for a new park, what then? What is the end game? Is it possible that ownership is trying to force relocation?

The Tampa Bay Rays have made the decision to no longer accept cash at Tropicana Field. For a team that already struggles to draw fans to the ballpark, it is an odd decision.