Tropicana Field

Capacity: 42,735

Home Teams: Tampa Bay Rays (MLB)

Tropicana Field Events

Rather remarkably, the first professional sports team to call the Tropicana Field home after it opened in 1990 was not a baseball team, but a hockey team, with the NHL’s new Tampa Bay Lightning expansion franchise using the stadium (which was fittingly, and awesomely, known as the ThunderDome at the time) as their home venue for their first two seasons (1993-96) before a more suitable arena could be built. After a long search for a MLB team, the city was finally granted an expansion team, the Tampa Bay Rays (then called the Devil Rays), which began play in 1998 in what would henceforth be known as Tropicana Field. The Rays spent their first decade in the basement of the AL East, doormats as flat as the fish that gave them their name, but burst onto the scene in dramatic fashion in 2008 when they not only reached their first-ever postseason, but went on to beat both colors of Sox (including a dramatic seven-game win over Boston) en route to a World Series showdown against the Philadelphia Phillies. Unfortunately (for Rays fans), the Phillies were set on bringing home their first championship in 28 seasons and swiftly defeated the team from Tampa in just five games. The Rays would be back in the World Series in 2020 after an impressive run past the Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, and Houston Astros (another seven-game thriller), but fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers in six. Tropicana Field itself is currently the only domed stadium in professional American baseball that does not have a retractable roof, a decision made due to the combination of hurricanes and rainstorms and the hot, humid weather that affects this part of Florida. Its design and layout have been frequently criticized by baseball fans and pundits and it is scheduled to be replaced by a new stadium in the upcoming years. Some of the seats in the upper tier are now closed during most games due to obstructed views, making Tropicana Field one of the smallest venues in MLB. Surprisingly, the stadium does contain some actual rays, with representatives of three species dwelling in a 38,000-liter tank out past the right-field fence. Fans can come see the rays and even learn about them before they watch the Rays take to the field. Along with all regular season and playoff Rays home games, Tropicana Field sometimes hosts concerts (including free concerts after baseball games by smaller local bands) and professional wrestling bouts. Basketball, football, hockey, and motorsports have all also been featured at times. Hungry visitors to Tropicana Field will find plenty of satisfying dining options, with tacos from the Taco Bus, fish and chips from the Fish Shack, and smokehouse barbecue at the Everglades BBQ. You can also find a huge number of locally brewed craft beers. Visitors could also once sample locally produced cigars at the Cuesta Rey Cigar Bar, but this has now been discontinued. Big eaters can attempt the “Fan vs. Food” challenge; if you can eat a 4-pound burger and fries, you could win two tickets* to a future Rays game. Team and event merchandise is sold at kiosks and shops all around Tropicana Field.

*It is unclear whether this challenge is still ongoing (or local cardiologists have intervened…).

Tropicana Field Seating Chart

While Tropicana Field is one of the smallest MLB venues, it still offers a good range of different seating options to visitors. Those looking for an exclusive gameday experience can opt for premium seating areas such as the DEX Imaging Home Plate Club, Chalk Box, Fieldside Box, or AeroVanti Club. All premium seats come with five-star service and amenities as well as top-notch views of on-field action. For more affordable seats, head out to the edges of the infield or up into the upper tiers. The cheapest seats can be found out past the outfield fences. Do your research before choosing your seat, as not all seats at Tropicana Field offer good views of the field (no seat offers a good view of the city as the stadium is a dome!). To find the cheapest available tickets to events and games at Tropicana Field, head to TicketX. TicketX has all the cheapest tickets as well as a handy seating chart to help you compare different seating options.

Getting to Tropicana Field (Transportation and Parking)

Visitors can access Tropicana Field via public transportation (sort of) or driving their own vehicle. The stadium is located in St. Petersburg, Florida, approximately 30 minutes from downtown Tampa Bay.

Getting to Tropicana Field via public transportation

There is very little easily accessible public transportation to Tropicana Field, making getting to the stadium to see a Rays game something of a challenge for those without their own wheels. Shuttles run from various locations around the area to the venue and are relatively cheap. The SunRunner Bus and Baseball Looper Trolley are your other options. Check MLB’s official Rays website for more information. A taxi or ride-share is the most convenient way of traveling to and from the stadium. 

Getting to Tropicana Field by car

The vast majority of visitors to Tropicana Field arrive in their own vehicles and driving to the venue is fairly straightforward. Do be prepared for some traffic congestion in the roads leading up to the stadium. It is best to leave early to make sure you do not miss the start of your event.  MLB’s official Rays website has clear driving directions and maps (because the stadium is located next to the freeway, it isn’t easy to miss!).  

Does Tropicana Field have on-site parking?

Yes, Tropicana Field is surrounded by large lots dedicated to ballpark parking. You can show up and pay on the day (credit/debit card only), but only if you show up early (if all parking is sold out, overflow parking can be found in private lots around St. Petersburg). A better option is to purchase prepaid parking before you arrive. Visit MLB’s official Rays website for details, maps, and links where you can buy advance prepaid parking (highly recommended).

How much does Tropicana Field parking cost?

Parking near Tropicana Field on a game day will usually run you $15-30, though you might find cheaper options off site (though these could prove inconvenient). Some free street parking is also apparently available in St. Petersburg if you want to try and seek it out. Go to MLB’s official Rays website to begin your search for the cheapest parking rates and to book a prepaid parking spot in advance.