Rays fans pin playoff hopes on Game 4 of ALDS against Rangers | Sports & Recreation

Saint Petersburg, Florida -- With a 2:07 p.m. start time, many Bay area fans admitted they had to play hooky from work in order to make it to the Trop today for Game 4 of the Rays vs. Rangers ALDS match-up.

Their dedication certainly showed, as they poured into Tropicana Field wearing a creative variety of cowbells, bright blue wigs, and face paint, ready to cheer on the home team inside.

Photos: Rays fans at the Trop for ALDS Game 4

Keep reading: Rays must-win playoff game today

In hopes of being spotted by television cameras, and maybe even their favorite players on the field, locals and visitors alike also showed off homemade signs on their way into the Trop, with messages including "We believe in Rays magic!" and "We traveled from Texas to cheer on the Rays!" I even spotted one lucky guy that didn't have to use a sick day - his sign read "Thanks for the day off, boss!"

The 93.3FLZ DJ, free stickers being doled out by Rays girls, and the lovable mascot Raymond dancing around outside Gate 1 were entertaining for a bit, but no one stayed outside for very long.

The excitement emanating from inside the building was palpable, and everyone from antsy children with baseball gloves to one particularly happy couple, who gushed that they were celebrating their 47th wedding anniversary at the game, were all practically sprinting to get inside to the action.