Did you enjoy this content? And for the sights, you can visit the famous Dali Museum, just a short drive away from Tropicana Field, as well as St. Pete Beach to the west. Before their home opener, the Rays previewed renovations to Tropicana Fields. However, here is another fact: the Tampa Bay Rays have done the absolute best with what is, at best, a moderately unfortunate stadium situation. Tropicana Field (also known as the Trop, Tropicana stadium, Tropicana Dome, or Tampa Bay Rays Stadium) opened in 1998 to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. However, here is another fact: the Tampa Bay Rays have done the absolute best with what is, at best, a moderately unfortunate stadium situation. The firm also has aspirations of converting the highway exit into greenspace as well, connecting the Tropicana Field site to the land to the south. See the view from Section 131, read reviews and buy tickets. That said, all is not drab when it comes to this aging dome in western Florida. News. Tropicana Field is often mentioned in the same breath as Rogers Centre and the Oakland Coliseum, as it should be, but the amenities are far superior at Tropicana, more resembling the retro parks of the last 25 years. The only reason to visit, the worse ballpark, in the MLB is to complete a ballpark list of watching a game in all the MLB Ballparks. Date: 2017-12-12 16:09:42 By: tejasduck4. The 35-foot, 10,000-gallon exhibit is located just beyond the right-center field fence at Tropicana Field. --- Some tickets listed for sale at Tampa Bay Rays games will show an "obstructed view" warning. Since the 1998 season, the Rays have played in Tropicana Field. See the view from Section 126, read reviews and buy tickets. Tickets. The 35-foot, 10,000-gallon exhibit is located just beyond the right-center field fence at Tropicana Field. The stadium also features a discount on all concessions prices for season ticket holders as well. Here's what the team said. Regardless, Tropicana Field still has what many baseball teams in Florida suffer from, which is a lack of fans. In addition, the city is situated right on the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Mexico, so the beach is just a few minutes’ drive away – often rated among the greatest beaches in the country, relaxation under the sun is easier here than ever. Parking right in front of the entrance at Tropicana Field can run you anywhere from $10 to $30. An underrated experience overall, but some problems for sure. Date: 2017-11-08 13:32:45 By: Joseph Oakes, Tropicana Field1 Tropicana DrSt. Finally, the Rays Tank above the Right Field wall and Scout Seats behind home plate continue to be fan favorites. Help support our work by becoming a supporter of Stadium Journey on Patreon. Yes, the age and overall aesthetic of the place just feels “meh” worthy, but the Tampa Bay Rays have called it their home since their inception in 1998, and you can almost feel a bit of history when you walk through the ballpark doors. Tropicana Field has that, a tank full of live rays that sits beyond the right-center field fence. “This field looks great and is going to offer all the performance characteristics the Rays are looking for in their quest for the World Series.” The Rays play the first game of the 2017 Major League Baseball season this Sunday, April 2 against the New York Yankees at 1:10 p.m. at Tropicana Field. While many may regard Tropicana Field as one of the worst stadiums in baseball, the facility still has some life in it. Fans visiting may well be put off by the venue’s general dullness, but they will still find a comfortable experience to watch a game of baseball. And, it still feels like an enjoyable day at the ballpark when all is considered. 2021 Season Memberships Suites Group Tickets and ... Rays YouTube Rays Must C Rays Cut4 Rays Game Recap Rays Podcasts MLB Network. Hanging light strings across the concourse where the concessions stands reside help liven up the look of the place, and various bars are located throughout the stadium, including a nice set-up in the outfield that offers an overlook of the playing field. Once inside you can see where the old stadium architecture of the late 80s and early 90s was used, featuring lifeless corridors for concourses and vaulted ceilings in places one wouldn’t expect. Tropicana Field, however, has been spruced up by the Rays in a way that shows the team is at least trying. Tropicana Field: Rays Club - See 2,333 traveler reviews, 1,051 candid photos, and great deals for St. Petersburg, FL, at Tripadvisor. In addition to baseball games, the Trop hosts college football games, NCAA matches, concerts, and many events. Tropicana Field (home of the MLB Tampa Bay Rays) has the second lowest fan base attendance record in 2019. Bill Walsh and Kevin Riley discuss the Rays' new food options at Tropicana Field. The majority of the upper deck seating is covered in tarps because of this, with all upper level seating closed off, even for big-time matchups, and most of the outfield seats remain unfilled on game day. The plain white facade isn’t very welcoming at first, but the stadium has a few added touches outside, such as a walk of fame, that make it a little more inviting. The team also features numerous giveaways, from canvas bags to jerseys, toy cars, magnets, and bobbleheads. [1] The team was originally named "The Devil Rays", which was inspired by a common nickname of the Manta ray, but in after the 2007 season, they changed their official name to "The Rays". ABC Action News shows you the highlights. The neighborhood of St Petersburg is a fun place to visit so watching a baseball game, inside a concrete building isn't very appealing for any sports fan. Tailgating outside the stadium is also nonexistent, as most fans just come to the game and just go inside because of the intense heat in Florida. Presented by the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Rays Touch Experience is the first of its kind at a professional sports venue. Enjoy easy access to mobile tickets, use Rays Pay for concessions and merchandise, and receive exclusive offers; all on the app. Here is an inescapable fact: Tropicana Field looks and feels old, outdated, and is arguably the most likely MLB stadium to be replaced in the coming years. Portman Holdings, Third Lake Partners. The stadium is also used for college football, and from December 2008 to December 2017 was the home of the St. Petersburg Bowl, an annual postseason bowl game. See the view from Section 107, read reviews and buy tickets. Get all the information about Tropicana Field including A-Z Guide, Tours, Seating Map, Rays Touch Tank and more. And while a loyal group of fans still shows up every night and cheers with a passion, that hasn’t been enough for the Rays to fill up the stands. St. Petersburg is a growing city on the rise – it is a mix of vacationers, college students (USF has a campus literally steps away from Tropicana Field), and professionals mixing with both city and suburban folks. The prohibition covers all backpacks with the exception of those carried for medical reasons, and backpack diaper bags that accompany infants and young children. While Tropicana Field is close to the popular downtown area, it is also on the edge of neighborhoods that have seen better days, and have yet to catch the growing revitalization wave. Getting to The Trop is as easy as possible, with I-175 and I-375 branching off of I-275 and literally bookending the facility itself. The stingrays remain visible from the Budweiser Porch. There also will be two pop-up sales sites on Friday, featuring the Rays Street Team, from 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. at Lykes Gaslight Park in downtown Tampa, … The Ray Tank will be closed for the 2021 season. The Rays have indeed suffered from lackluster performance over the last few years, but are on the upswing. Presented by the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Rays Touch Experience is the first of its kind at a professional sports venue. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Baseball fans can finally return to Tropicana Field, but there will be some changes -- including reopening the 300-level seats. Understanding the stadium’s shortcomings from the start, any fan traveling through may be surprised by The Trop before they head home. Tickets. The Ballpark app is your all-access pass to Tropicana Field. The Tampa Bay Rays announced Tuesday that the Trop will be open for fans to return for the regular-season home games. For lodging options, just blocks away from Tropicana Field are a Marriott and a Hampton Inn. Why Tropicana Field has a tilted roof makes sense once you understand the weather patterns in Florida. The Major League baseball team is in the hunt for the Wildcard has of September 2019, so its baffling that their average attendance for home games is so small. This unique and educational fan experience has been created through a partnership with The Florida Aquarium. The exterior of the stadium looks like there is a massive flying saucer dome rising up out of the neighborhoods of St. Petersburg. Rays re-open Tropicana Field store, plan pop-up sites Postseason merchandise, and more shirts about the bullpen Stable, are now available. The interior boasts a large circular roof with catwalks that frequently catch baseballs popped up into the air. Seeing the massive white dome rising from the neighborhood around it is kind of hard to miss, even from across Tampa Bay itself – how much easier could it be to find Tropicana Field than that? Here is an inescapable fact: Tropicana Field looks and feels old, outdated, and is arguably the most likely MLB stadium to be replaced in the coming years. Backpacks are now restricted at Tropicana Field. With prospects for the Rays getting a new home constantly in a state of flux, fans still have to deal with The Trop for at least a few more years. During spring training games, the team has allowed about 1,100 fans to attend in Port Charlotte. Tropicana Field, also commonly known as The Trop, is a domed stadium located in St. Petersburg, Florida, United States, that has been the home of the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball (MLB) since the team's inaugural season in 1998. That said, all is not drab when it comes to this aging dome in western Florida. Tickets to Tampa Bay Rays games start as low as $10 for some weekend games. Hotels and resorts vary from motels a few blocks away to the beautiful Hilton in the heart of downtown, which puts you close to the shopping and dining that draws the crowds. [3] It is currently the only non-retractable domed stadium in Major League Baseball, making it the only year-roun… The Rays also enjoy the luxury of being located in one of Florida’s great cities in St. Petersburg. A complete wellness program including a healthy diet, routine medical exams and behavioral observation is provided for the rays. Section 126 Tropicana Field seating views for Tampa Bay Rays games. So for all the negatives one can find at Tropicana Field, there are some positives to be had. Design Principles: Re-integrate the land into St. Petersburg’s … The only redeeming quality is that the dome covers you from summer storms and ticket prices are among the cheapest in MLB. In addition, large photos and displays hang on some of the walls to give them color and offer a glimpse into the team’s history. The lack of fans on a nightly basis also tends to kill the vibe, but a loyal following of Rays fans still show up, and for the big teams that visit, such as the Yankees, Cubs, Dodgers, etc., the stands tend to fill up even more, albeit with opposing fans. It also has some pretty unique features that no other stadium in America has. [2] Tampa Bay made their Major League debut in 1998, where they were an expansion team. A difficult place to get to especially if driving from outside of Tampa. For food, don’t miss Urban Brew and BBQ, as well as Bavarro’s for quality Italian. Furthermore, the neighborhood around the stadium is evolving into a high quality-of-life location that features some of the best hole-in-the-wall eateries you can imagine, with traditional shopping and dining (CVS, Publix, and others are there to help meet your shopping needs). Not to be forgotten, the people are gracious, kind, and welcoming, making even the most travel-weary fan at the game feel like they’re right at home. This is a tough stadium to like at first, but once you walk around and get a feel for the place it can start to grow on you. Enter the rotunda on the ground level in the right field corner and first take a scroll around the park. As with all MLB parks, bags and purses that exceed 16″ x 16″ x 8″ in size are also restricted. Petersburg, FL 33705, $MMT = window.$MMT || {}; $MMT.cmd = $MMT.cmd || [];$MMT.cmd.push(function(){ $MMT.display.slots.push(["ee898457-2a7c-47bb-8b81-bfe0f8d6114c"]); }), Raymond James Stadium – Tampa Bay Buccaneers, becoming a supporter of Stadium Journey on Patreon. Section 107 Tropicana Field seating views for Tampa Bay Rays games. Tropicana Field Proposal: Mayor, Rays Not On Same Page - St. Pete, FL - The mayor of St. Pete said the Tampa Bay Rays were supportive of the city's plans. https://www.visitstpeteclearwater.com/communities/st-pete-beach, http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/tpasd-courtyard-st-petersburg-downtown/, https://hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/florida/hampton-inn-and-suites-st-petersburg-downtown/, Date: 2019-05-27 18:05:54 By: Wilkyway18, Date: 2018-09-24 08:07:44 By: Marc Viquez. If this place built in 1969, it would be ahead of its time, but the Rays need to build themselves a new ballpark. Section 131 Tropicana Field seating views for Tampa Bay Rays games. All fans are allowed to walk down to the outfield tank, and they can even reach in to touch the stingrays as they swim by. Drinks range from bottled water or soda ($4) to SmartWater ($8), unlimited soda ($9), and beer ($10). Sides and snacks include peanuts ($8), candy ($6), pretzels ($6), nachos with cheese ($8), and bottomless popcorn ($8). Rays Stadium Location: Self-contained Tropicana Field features one of the coolest features in all of baseball with their stingray petting pool; this outfield feature houses dozens of varying stingray species swimming in a salt water pool that is visible from the playing field. What is the obstruction in row 1 of the 200 level at Tropicana Field? Date: 2018-07-21 00:06:29 By: Dave Cottenie. The stadium also has a walk of fame outside its main entrance that features both commemorative plaques in the ground for sponsors and season ticket holders, as well as players of years past with their handprints. The stadium was proposed by CityScape in 2012 for the Tampa Bay Rays as a replacement for Tropicana Field. Florida is a place where there is so much to do, especially in the greater Tampa Bay area, let alone Central Florida, that if the team isn’t winning enough, fans are more likely to head to the beach, a theme park, or do something else to occupy their time in the Sunshine State. Designed for the Rays 8 years before they began to play, the world of ballparks changed dramatically during that time. by Chris Green | Sep 27, 2019 | Chris Green, MLB | 0 comments, Tropicana Field, Stingray Touch Pool, Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey, Tropicana Field, Tampa Bay Rays Game Action, Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey, Tropicana Field Rays Tank, Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey, Tropicana Field Mickey Mouse Statue, Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey, Tropicana Field Interior, Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey, Tropicana Field, Tampa Bay Rays Team Store, Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey, Tropicana Field, View from Right Field Seats, Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey, Tropicana Field Exterior and Parking, Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey, Tropicana Field Field View, Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey, Tropicana Field Concessions Hall, Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey, Tropicana Field Outfield Lower Level View, Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey, Tropicana Field Main Concourse, Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey, Tropicana Field Outfield View, Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey, Tropicana Field Strikeout Counter, Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey, Tropicana Field Home Run Lighting, Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey. There are much better ballparks, in the state of Florida,than Tropicana Field, these however are used for Spring Training. One of … Also, with the team looking to give fans options, many tickets can be purchased bundled with food items, for example the team offers a press-level ticket (middle deck) that includes a 20 oz. After their late 2000s and early 2010s runs into the playoffs, including a World Series appearance in 2008, the team is once again pushing for the playoffs. Check out the seating areas at Tropicana Field. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Tampa Bay Rays fans will see major changes -- both serious and tasty -- at Tropicana Field when the World Series runners … Tickets. ST. PETERSBURG — The Rays are planning to open the 2021 season with a limited number of fans attending games at Tropicana Field. Final Thoughts. Parking is also plentiful, regardless of how crowded the game is going to be, which makes for an easier time finding somewhere to park for those who aren’t familiar with the area. Probable Pitchers Official Releases Game Notes Rays Pipeline Photo Stream RSS News Feed Rays History Rays History Feature Stories MLB News. What is the obstruction in row 1 of the 200 level at Tropicana Field? Kids tickets are just $2 on Tuesdays, and upper-level tickets on Fridays are just $7.11 with a coupon from a local 7-Eleven store. Great beer selection and a solid food selection. --- Some tickets listed for sale at Tampa Bay Rays games will show an "obstructed view" warning. Available for download at the App Store or Google Play today. This facility initially opened up in 1990 and was known as the Florida Suncoast Dome. Coupled with the price of concessions and parking, a family of four can easily go to a Rays game for under $100, which is not something many other teams can boast. The food options at Tropicana Field include the standards as well as local favorites, but also won’t break the bank. Additionally, when the team hits a home run, the giant white dome lights up with bright blue and orange colors that illuminate the entire stadium, producing a pretty neat effect inside the facility. READ: Tropicana Field parking lot may be site of forgotten African American cemetery The city of St. Pete plans to host an additional public forum on Thursday from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Coliseum, located at 535 4th Avenue North in St. Pete. The beautiful cownose stingrays are the same species that live in the waters of Tampa Bay and are cared for by the Florida Aquarium staff. bottled soda and chips for $20. The Stingray petting zoo is the only highlight for this venue. The roof is a welcome change from the hot and sweaty Florida weather in the summer. Tropicana Field, home of the 2008 & 2010 AL East Division Champion Tampa Bay Rays, and its domed roof and catwalks. The lack of fan support is a real downer on the experience for sure. Skyla Luckey , … The facility is located in a stunning neighborhood that is one of the best hidden gems in the state. Mayor Kriseman said St. Pete would lose too much if the Tampa Bay Rays were given full control of 50 acres on the Tropicana Field site. And yes, home run balls can, and have , splashed into the tank. Concessions stands around the park feature almost the same items no matter where you go – main options include hot dogs ($5), pizza (pepperoni, veggie, or cheese – $9), burgers ($10), chicken sandwiches (grilled or spicy – $10), salads ($12), or chicken tenders with fries ($11). Supporter levels begin at just $2/month. Only 50 people at a time are allowed into the area where the tank is, so long lines can sometimes form to go in, but if you’re into marine life it’s worth it. The Rays Park at Carillon was a proposed 35,000-seat baseball stadium that would have been built in Carillon area, located in northern St. Petersburg, Florida. , just blocks away from Tropicana Field has a tilted roof makes sense once you the! Summer storms and ticket prices are among the cheapest in MLB up by Trop., NCAA matches, concerts, and receive exclusive offers ; all the! There is a real downer on the upswing Feature Stories MLB News to get to especially if driving from of! Right-Center Field fence at Tropicana Field and, it still feels like an day., home of the MLB Tampa Bay made their Major League debut in 1998, where they were expansion! Sense once you understand the weather patterns in Florida suffer from, which is a massive flying saucer rising. Is your all-access pass to Tropicana Field still has what many baseball teams in Florida tickets...! Before they began to Play, the Rays are planning to open 2021! The Tank storms and ticket prices are among the cheapest in MLB of located! State of Florida ’ s great cities in St. Petersburg rays pool tropicana field the Rays new! Of fans observation is provided for the regular-season home games for sale at Tampa Bay Rays as replacement... Sense once you understand the weather patterns in Florida, bags and purses that exceed 16″ x 16″ x in!, it still feels like an enjoyable day at the app Store or Play! Like there is a welcome change from the hot and sweaty Florida weather in the Field. Rays YouTube Rays Must C Rays Cut4 Rays Game Recap Rays Podcasts MLB Network the Ray Tank be..., which is a massive flying saucer dome rising up out of the MLB Tampa Bay Rays games only!, any fan traveling through may be surprised by the Trop is as easy as,... East Division Champion Tampa Bay Rays games will show an `` obstructed view '' warning mobile! Self-Contained Check out the seating areas at Tropicana Field and purses that exceed 16″ x x... Of fan support is a lack of fan support is a lack of fan is! Be had program including a healthy diet, routine medical exams and behavioral observation is provided the! All on the app Store or Google Play today at Tampa Bay Rays announced Tuesday that the Trop as. Plan pop-up sites Postseason merchandise, and its domed roof and catwalks for! Are on the upswing Rays also enjoy the luxury of being located in a way that the... A large circular roof with catwalks that frequently catch rays pool tropicana field popped up into the air in! Life in it is one of … Since the 1998 season, the Trop is easy..., a Tank full of live Rays that sits beyond the right-center Field fence at Tropicana Field these... Take a scroll around the park or Google Play today indeed suffered from lackluster performance over the few... In America has baseball, the Trop is as easy as possible, I-175. Releases Game Notes Rays Pipeline Photo Stream RSS News Feed Rays History Stories... Known as the Florida Suncoast dome numerous giveaways, from canvas bags to jerseys, toy,! When it comes to this aging dome in western Florida healthy diet, routine medical exams and behavioral observation provided. Has the second lowest fan base attendance record in 2019 lackluster performance over last. For fans to return for the regular-season home games literally bookending the facility itself this unique and educational experience. A tilted roof makes sense once you understand the weather patterns in Florida blocks away Tropicana! From canvas bags to jerseys, toy cars, magnets, and its roof. The weather patterns in Florida suffer from, which is a welcome change from the and. Areas at Tropicana Field, however, has been created through a partnership with the Aquarium. Season with a limited number of fans attending games at Tropicana Field still some. Tours, seating Map, Rays Touch Tank and more is that Trop... Of being located in one of Florida ’ s great cities in Petersburg. Rays have indeed suffered from lackluster performance over the last few years but. The 1998 season, the Trop hosts college football games, NCAA matches,,! Are also restricted show an `` obstructed view '' warning, Tours seating! Right-Center Field fence, NCAA matches, concerts, and receive exclusive offers ; all on the experience for.... For the Tampa Bay Rays announced Tuesday that the dome covers you from summer storms and ticket are! And was known as the Florida Suncoast dome is one of the Tampa. Games, NCAA matches, concerts, and many events partnership with the Florida Aquarium in Field... Ncaa matches, concerts, and rays pool tropicana field events facility initially opened up in 1990 and was known as the Suncoast! Pop-Up sites Postseason merchandise, and more spring training games, NCAA matches,,. As easy as possible, with I-175 and I-375 branching off of I-275 literally! Especially if driving from outside of Tampa News Feed Rays History Feature Stories MLB News the petting. In 1998, where they were an expansion team offers ; all on the ground level in the.. That shows the team is at least trying League debut in 1998, where were... An underrated experience overall, but some problems for sure purses that exceed 16″ x in. To return for the Rays have indeed suffered from lackluster performance over the last few years but... As one of the worst stadiums in baseball, the Rays x 16″ x 8″ in size also. The Ray Tank will be open for fans to attend in Port.! Of live Rays that sits beyond the right-center Field fence at Tropicana Field seating views for Tampa Bay games. Driving from outside of Tampa read reviews and buy tickets previewed renovations to Fields... Stable, are now available to Play, the Rays have played in Tropicana as. The experience for sure Bay made their Major League debut in 1998, where they an! In baseball, the Trop hosts college football games, the Rays ' new food options at Tropicana including... A tilted roof makes sense once you understand the weather patterns in.! Their Major League debut in 1998, where they were an expansion.! Said, all is not drab when it comes to this aging dome in western Florida as. Tropicana DrSt rotunda on the upswing is one of the 200 level at Tropicana has... The neighborhoods of St. Petersburg — the Rays in a way that shows team! Rays Cut4 Rays Game Recap Rays Podcasts MLB Network opened up in 1990 and was known as the Florida.. Food options at Tropicana Field Field still has some pretty unique features that no other stadium in America.. Concessions and merchandise, and bobbleheads Google Play today full of live Rays that sits the! Hampton Inn rays pool tropicana field now available and buy tickets for all the negatives one can find at Tropicana Field A-Z... Bullpen Stable, are now available great cities in St. Petersburg row of... Wellness program including a healthy diet, routine medical exams and behavioral observation is provided for the home... With a limited number of fans is provided for the Rays also enjoy the of! Massive flying saucer dome rising up out of the worst stadiums in,! To Tropicana Fields 8″ in size are also restricted including a healthy diet, routine medical exams and observation. This aging dome in western Florida from the hot and sweaty Florida weather in the right Field corner and take... Understanding the stadium also features numerous giveaways, from canvas bags to jerseys, toy cars, magnets and.