Tampa Bay Rays unveil ‘city connect’ uniforms

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Rays unveiled their new “City Connect” uniforms Monday.

Major League Baseball’s city connect uniforms launched back in 2021 and reflect each baseball city’s unique culture and community.

In a news release, the team said: “Known as the “Grit x Glow” uniforms, the look celebrates Tampa Bay’s deeply rooted counterculture scenes in skate, street art, streetwear, tattoo and music. From the murals of downtown St. Petersburg to the streets of Ybor City, the independent, underground spirit of Tampa Bay creates a culture that is bold, bright and vibrant.”

“There’s an energy and a vibe that makes this region unique,” said Warren Hypes, vice president of creative & brand. “The untold stories of our community are compelling, and the City Connect program gives us a chance to share them. We’re especially excited to celebrate Tampa Bay’s skate culture and shine a light on its role in history.

The front of the jersey reads “Tampa Bay” for the first time since 2007. The lettering pays tribute to the Devil Rays past with flame accents evocative of iconic skate imagery and street art.

The cap logo, dubbed the SkyRay, combines the team’s ray with the Sunshine Skyway Bridge representing the connections across Tampa Bay’s counties and communities. The bridge is officially located in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Manatee counties.

On Thursday, the Rays will host a City Connect celebration event at the St. Pete Pier from 5-10 p.m. Highlights will include player appearances, live music, a live skateboarding demonstration, interactive games, food trucks, photo stations and a City Connect-themed Drone Show, displaying the uniform logos in the sky. 

The uniform reveal happened as officials in Pinellas County look over the Rays-Gas Plant development plan, which includes a new ballpark for the team and it would cement their place in Tampa Bay for decades.

The plan calls for the Rays and Hines Development Group to buy nearly 36 acres for $105 million.

During Phase One, an African-American history museum, 1,500 residential units, a 500-room hotel are planned, along with office space, stores and the new ball park.

If approved, construction would begin early next year. The ballpark is expected to be ready for opening day in 2028.

The St. Pete city council will hold the first of two discussions on the agreement on May 9.