Tropicana Field - Tampa Bay Rays
Updated: 5 days ago
Photos by Steven Kee, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29
Tropicana Field 1 Tropicana Dr St. Petersburg, FL 33705
Year Opened: 1990
Capacity: 31,042
Swinging with the Rays
Tropicana Field opened to the public on March 3, 1990, and was originally named the Florida Suncoast Dome. It was built to lure an existing or expanding major league baseball team, but it wasn't until 1998 that the then-named Tampa Bay Devil Rays took the field at the newly renamed Tropicana Field.
The stadium is affectionately known as “The Trop” and is located in St. Petersburg, Florida. It was built before Camden Yards and Chase Field, but its slanted roof was designed to reduce the interior volume, reduce cooling effects, and protect from hurricanes.
However, on October 9, 2024, Hurricane Milton tore through the roof and ripped it to shreds, causing the ball club to relocate to the New York Yankees spring training home, Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, for the 2025 season. The roof had outlasted its service by more than a decade. A new $55 million roof was installed, and the Rays returned for their first game in April 2026
Tropicana Field continues to make improvements for the betterment of the game and fan experience. It is worth the flight or drive to see a Major League Baseball game at “the Trop”.
Food & Beverage 4
From the everyday fan to the foodie, there is something for everyone at Tropicana Field, offering fans far more than your standard ballpark fare. They have ballpark favorites, signature items, and savory specials throughout the stadium.
The Budweiser Porch has many creative offerings, including the Flamin' Hot Corn Dog and the indulgent Pig + Potato from Haute Potato. Cuban sandwiches, Cubano dogs, and footlong pretzel dogs are also available. The Pretz-Strami Reuben and Short Rib Grilled Cheese are creative sandwiches.
The 1B and 3B Food Halls offer more options, including chicken parmesan heroes, buffalo chicken tenders and sandwiches, Philly cheesesteak nachos, tacos, loaded nachos, and garlic fries. The Hall of Fame Bar & Grill, home to the Smokin' Rays Burger and more Loaded Nachos. This is also one of two spots where you can grab a Souvenir Daiquiri Bat—a frozen treat that doubles as a plastic baseball bat. The Pacific Counter is home to banh mi sandwiches, sushi rice bowls, egg rolls, and edamame.
The Trop features domestic and local beer, including options from Cigar City and Coopertail Brewing Company. Many of them can be purchased from the multiple Grab N’ Go sections. The stadium also serves many wines, spirits, cocktails, and hard seltzers.
Atmosphere 4
It’s a traditional and unique baseball stadium under a fixed dome with enthusiastic fans throughout. It is the only fixed-dome or roofed stadium in Major League Baseball, and a throwback to other domed stadiums like the Astrodome or the Metrodome. It sets the mood for the entire experience.
The changes hope to create the mood, along with a team that usually battles for the division title. When the Rays returned to and updated the ballpark that featured new premium seating, all-inclusive areas with new graphics, LED lighting and interior murals, upgraded premium spaces, and the installation of new turf.
The Rays Tank was overhauled and is located in right-center field just beyond the outfield wall. The tank is full of rays that are safe to touch and are great for small children. Fans can stay anywhere around the tank and watch the game.
The Budweiser Deck was also reconfigured for a better fan experience. The MaintenX SkyDeck, above left field, was refreshed with new graphics, LED lighting, and a new interior mural celebrating Tampa Bay.
There are other fan-oriented areas at the stadium that aim to create a positive vibe at games. Ballpark and Rec is a social space with arcade games, pinball machines, and tailgating activities. The Budweiser Porch is where you will find grab-and-go food and drink in an open-air-style viewing patio.
Neighborhood 3
There is no walkable neighborhood immediately surrounding the stadium; however, it is located in St. Petersburg. A short car or bus ride from the stadium will bring you to many interesting shops and restaurants. Downtown St. Pete offers a mix of casual and upscale dining, wonderful museums, shops, and plenty of accommodations within a laid-back atmosphere.
The Chihuly Collection at the Morean Arts Center features a permanent collection of world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly's unique glass artwork, while The Dali Museum houses an impressive collection of Salvador Dali's works spanning his life and career.
The Museum of Fine Arts showcases collections of ancient antiquities, photography, and sculpture. If the weather permits, a walk through North Straub Park along the basin is time well spent while in town.
Stillwaters Tavern is an American restaurant; BellaBrava features water views, Parkshore Grill serves up dishes in a sophisticated atmosphere, and The Wooden Roosters is a quaint little place for crepes and coffee.
Fans 3
Unfortunately, Tropicana Field draws relatively low crowds for a Major League Baseball stadium. So don’t expect a booming fan base and packed house; however, the ones that do come are as energized as any other. Out in left field, you have Randy Land, where a group of diehard Rays fans resides, named for outfielder Randy Arozarena; you can spot them with their unique club T-shirts.
When weather permits, you will see fans tailgating, which is part of the Rays Up. Fans will begin tailgating at Fergs Sports Bar and make their way to the stadium.
Access 3
Conveniently located off Interstate 175, there are several parking lots, from premium parking to general parking off of 1st and 5th Avenue.
You can also travel by bus and ride-share, which will drop you off near gates 3 and 4 behind home plate. This is a good place to also meet up with family and friends.
A convenient mass transit option, the SunRunner, a rapid bus transit route with a stop on the north side of the Tropicana. The SunRunner runs every 15 minutes from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and every 30 minutes from 8 p.m. to midnight. A great way to get in and out of this area with ease.
Return on Investment 3
Ticket prices, depending on the opponent, begin around $10 for an adult. Games against the Yankees and Red Sox can double in price, especially for tickets closer to the field. Parking in city and private lots will run between $15 and $30. Recent improvements, upgrades, and food expansions, which are reasonably priced, do make it worth the out-of-pocket expense.
Extras 3
The dome is uniquely tilted and lights up orange after any Rays victory. It also provides much-needed AC during the muggy summer days and nights. The rotunda resembles the former Ebbets Field in Brooklyn, New York. The Ray Tank might be one of the more interesting features at a major league baseball stadium.
You can schedule the Tropicana Field tour that's worth taking (this is not free; tickets for adults are $15 & kids 14 & under are $12). It is done when the crowds are gone, and keep this in mind: the air conditioning is off. During the tour, you can really appreciate this structure from a different perspective.
Final Thoughts
Tropicana Field is an aging but unique structure with many features to be enjoyed. It is definitely worth it for the experience, not just as a fan of baseball but also of architecture, engineering, and new experiences. The new roof, new lighting, and food options upgrade the ballpark atmosphere and experience.
