Evan Longoria is set to announce his retirement from professional baseball and will do so in a special way—by signing a one-day contract with the Tampa Bay Rays. The event will include a pre-game ceremony before the Rays face off against the Miami Marlins on Saturday, June 7, starting at 4:10 p.m. This reflects Longoria’s desire to “come back home,” as he returns to the team where he made a significant impact during his MLB career. The ceremony will celebrate his achievements and connection to the Rays, where he played most of his seasons.
In addition to sports, Tampa Bay is thriving with a series of exciting events this June. The heavy metal band Metallica will perform at Raymond James Stadium on June 6 and 8, marking their first concert in Tampa in 15 years, alongside renowned acts like Pantera and Limp Bizkit. The city will also host the Gulfport Pride festival on June 7, promoting diversity and supporting local nonprofits, with family-friendly activities and live performances.
While the arts scene is vibrant, showcasing productions like “Lady Day at Emerson Bar and Grill,” where Desiree Montes will portray Billie Holiday, and “Carmen” by St. Pete Opera, both running through mid-June. For musical fans, country band Old Dominion will perform in Clearwater on June 7, and George Lopez will entertain with his stand-up comedy on June 8.
The local art scene continues to flourish with exhibitions such as “99 Bottles” at Florida CraftArt and “Rair Air,” featuring engaging illustrations of endangered wildlife at The James Museum, both of which run through the summer. For those seeking history, “Invisible Immigrants” showcases the experiences of Spaniards in the U.S. from 1868 to 1945 at the Tampa Bay History Center.
Tampa Bay promises a season filled with entertainment, sports, and cultural richness, making it an exciting hub for locals and visitors alike.