Game time for the Tampa Bay Rays has a whole new meaning after April 1 as growing Florida FEC chain GameTime debuted its unique collaboration with the MLB team. The Rays and Mike Abecassis’ FEC chain worked together to open GameTime at Grand Slam Alley, a new family entertainment area right at Tropicana field where the Rays play. The arcade debuted during the Kid’s Pep Rally on April 1 and got its first real feel of a game on Opening Day (April 2) when the Rays took on the New York Yankees.
Tampa Bay Rays’ mascot DJ Kitty watches as kids blast away at aliens on Raw Thrills’ new Space Invaders Frenzy.
“GameTime’s partnership has allowed us to enhance the game day experience for Rays fans at Tropicana Field,” said Rays VP Josh Bullock. “We are always looking for unique, fun and exciting ballpark amenities, and we feel families and especially kids, will enjoy this new offering.”
Grand Slam Alley features some of the latest games, including Space Invaders Frenzy, Cruis’n Blast, Baseball Pro (of course!), Dream Raiders, Deadstorm Pirates and more. Fans also watch and participate in live, interactive contests held at Grand Slam Alley and broadcast over the Jumbotron between innings.
Opening Day brought a large crowd to the new GameTime at Grand Slam Alley.
“We are excited to partner with the Tampa Bay Rays this season and offer their loyal fans a place to have a fun interactive experience with their family,” said Abecassis, GameTime owner/CEO. “We want the new GameTime zone to reflect and embrace the caliber of entertainment we offer at each of our centers and this new collaboration with the Tampa Bay Rays is one of many ways we are bringing GameTime into the community.”
“The Kids Pep Rally and Opening Day was very exciting for us. This was the big reveal of the new GameTime at Grand Slam Alley and we were very well received,” said Kelli Markunas, marketing director for GameTime. “We had a great time interacting with fans and gave away a lot of prizes. We look forward to a fantastic season with the Rays.”
GameTime is now looking forward to its next two expansions: venues in Ocoee and Daytona, Fla.
