Tampa Bay Rays Launch New Uniforms with Drone Light Show Spectacle

The Tampa Bay Rays launched their new Nike MLB City Connect “Grit x Glow” uniforms in May 2024 with a drone light show at St. Pete Pier. Produced by Grizzly Entertainment, the show brought the design themes of the uniforms into the sky—blending music, motion, and color in a live event for fans.

A City-Themed Uniform Gets a Citywide Launch

The new uniforms are tied closely to the Rays’ home. The “Grit x Glow” concept takes inspiration from St. Petersburg’s Latin influence, skateboarding roots, and nightlife. The look includes a reworked Devil Rays logo, neon gradients, and script lettering.

To match the tone, the team skipped a traditional reveal. Instead, they went public with an open-air drone show at the pier—free to attend and built for social media sharing. Drones formed logos, palm trees, skate shapes, and glowing symbols to echo the uniform design.

Read the official Tampa Bay Rays press release.

What Grizzly Entertainment Did

Grizzly Entertainment, the drone light show company behind the event, handled the technical side. They built the show from scratch based on the uniform concept and event goals.

Their team:

• Created custom flight paths and visuals based on the uniform artwork

• Synced the drone movements with a soundtrack designed around local culture

• Managed flight approvals, safety, and on-site production during the show

The visuals weren’t random animations. They were structured around the campaign’s design, using movement and light to reflect the same themes found on the jersey and cap.

About the Rays

The Rays have built a reputation as one of baseball’s most resourceful teams. With a focus on player development, scouting, and analytics, they regularly stay competitive with a smaller budget. The team plays a fast, high-effort style that matches the “grit” part of their new look. And the “glow” fits too, the Rays have leaned into bold aesthetics and sharp design in recent years, from Tropicana Field upgrades to social media content.

The drone show captured that balance. It combined discipline and timing with showmanship, which is exactly what the team is aiming for on the field.

Why Teams Are Using Drone Shows

Drone light shows are becoming a more common choice for sports teams and event producers. They’re quiet, programmable, and adaptable to different environments. For this kind of launch, they offer:

• Precise branding opportunities

• Strong visual content for media and fans

• Safe, reusable technology

• Clear tie-ins to campaign messaging

For the Rays, it was a way to bring the City Connect idea beyond uniforms, into something the city could see and share.

The uniforms are part of the Nike MLB City Connect series, aimed at connecting teams to their communities.

Final Word

The Rays didn’t just release a new uniform, they staged a visual event that tied the team to its home, its fans, and its playing style. Grizzly’s drone show made that possible. It gave the campaign reach and impact without relying on traditional formats. For other teams thinking about what a launch can be, this set a clear example.