About Tropicana Field
Tropicana Field, located in St. Petersburg, Florida, has been the exclusive home of the Tampa Bay Rays since the team's inception in 1998. Unlike many other ballparks, Tropicana Field is distinct for its fixed, domed roof, a necessary feature to counter Florida's frequent rainstorms and intense summer heat. Though the stadium originally opened in 1990 with hopes of attracting a Major League Baseball team to the area, it took eight years for the Rays (originally the Devil Rays) to take the field. Tropicana Field is also known for its unique features, including the "Rays Touch Tank" — a large aquarium behind the center field wall where fans can touch live rays. While the stadium's indoor atmosphere and artificial turf have occasionally been subjects of debate, Tropicana Field remains a symbol of baseball's presence in the Tampa Bay area.
What to eat at Tropicana Field
- Cuban Sandwich Main Concourse — Tampa Bay does cubanos right — pressed with mojo pork, ham, and Swiss.
- Bern's Burger Section 137 — From the legendary Tampa steakhouse — a premium patty with aged beef.
- Crab Fries Section 209 — Seasoned fries loaded with crab meat and Old Bay seasoning.
- Rays Cuban Nachos Right Field — Nachos with Cuban pulled pork, plantain chips, and queso.
Where to sit at Tropicana Field
- Lower Box Infield (Sections 101-114) Mid-range — Close to the field with great sightlines.
- The Porch Budget — Standing room area with drink rails and a social vibe.
- Upper Deck Behind Plate (Sections 300-310) Budget — Full-field views at budget prices.
Parking and getting to Tropicana Field
- Parking lots around Tropicana Field are plentiful and affordable — most $15-20.
- Park in downtown St. Pete garages and walk — explore the arts district on your way.
- The stadium is in St. Petersburg, not Tampa — budget drive time accordingly.
What else to do near Tropicana Field
- St. Pete Pier 1 mile — Stunning waterfront destination with restaurants, shops, and beach access.
- Dalí Museum 1.5 miles — World-class Salvador Dalí collection in a stunning building.
- Central Avenue 0.5 miles — St. Pete's main strip with craft breweries, murals, and shops.
Before you go to Tropicana Field
- Indoor Stadium — Tropicana Field is a dome — no weather worries, but the atmosphere is unique. Think indoor baseball.
- Rays Tank — There's a real touch tank with cownose rays behind center field — a must-visit, especially with kids.
- Affordable Experience — Rays tickets are among the cheapest in MLB. It's an incredible value for a game day.
- Touch the cownose rays at the Ray Tank — it's free with your game ticket and the rays are friendly.
- The Trop is quirky — catwalks and speakers hang from the ceiling and are in play if a ball hits them.
- St. Petersburg has an incredible craft beer scene — hit Green Bench or Cycle Brewing pre-game.
- The Rays may be moving to a new stadium soon — catch a game at the Trop while you still can.
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