Tropicana Field
Home of the Tampa Bay Rays, this unique dome stadium features a stingray touch tank and hosts festive holiday light events.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enchant St. Petersburg lights up!
Tropicana Field
Best Time
Enchant St. Petersburg lights up!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Home of the Tampa Bay Rays, this unique dome stadium features a stingray touch tank and hosts festive holiday light events.
"The stadium is old and showing its signs of needing to be replaced. It’s very outdated, instead of walking around a stadium I felt like I was in a hallway of a school or something."
🎟️ Digital Tickets Only
Purchase tickets via the MLB app or third-party sites; no box office available.
🥶 Dress for AC
The stadium is air-conditioned; bring a light jacket if you're sensitive to cold.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Rays Touch Tank
Centerfield
Get up close with live stingrays! A unique feature offering an interactive and memorable baseball experience.
Enchant St. Petersburg
Tropicana Field
Experience the world's largest Christmas light maze and village during the holiday season.
Dome Roof & Air Conditioning
Entire Stadium
Enjoy games in a climate-controlled environment, protected from Florida's heat and humidity.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Hurricane Preparedness & Stadium Status
Ticket Purchase & Entry
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Digital Tickets Only
Purchase tickets via the MLB app or third-party sites; no box office available.
🥶 Dress for AC
The stadium is air-conditioned; bring a light jacket if you're sensitive to cold.
🍽️ Concession Strategy
Order food via kiosks, then pick up. Lines can be long; consider eating before the game.
⚾ Ball Toss for Kids
The Rays often throw out 200+ baseballs to kids during games.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Digital Tickets Only
Purchase tickets via the MLB app or third-party sites; no box office available.
🥶 Dress for AC
The stadium is air-conditioned; bring a light jacket if you're sensitive to cold.
🍽️ Concession Strategy
Order food via kiosks, then pick up. Lines can be long; consider eating before the game.
⚾ Ball Toss for Kids
The Rays often throw out 200+ baseballs to kids during games.
🌀 Check Hurricane Impact
Verify stadium status and event schedules during hurricane season.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Tropicana Field offers a unique, albeit dated, baseball experience with highlights like the stingray touch tank and comfortable air-conditioned dome. While the stadium's age is noted, the friendly staff and diverse food options are appreciated. The concession ordering system and lack of a box office are common drawbacks.
"I’m a baseball fanatic and I’m going to every stadium. This journey was a little disappointing but had some good points. The game itself was exciting but the stadium is old and showing its signs of needing to be replaced. It’s very outdated, instead of walking around a stadium I felt like I was in a hallway of a school or something. The vending area had the best feature and worst feature both, best feature is you get your souvenir cup and fill it yourself, refills and everything, that is super great. The worst feature is the ordering process. No humans just little kiosk pads, you get the ticket out of it after you order with your number but then you wait in another line to hand your ticket in to a person then wait even longer for your stuff. It’s horrible, people waiting on food block the kiosk pad so people can’t order and it’s simply a mess, if I returned I would eat before and get nothing except walk around stuff because of the lines. Keep in mind there is not many fans at the games so I couldn’t imagine a sold out game or large crowd the place would be a mess. Anyway still great experience and the stingray tank in centerfield is a must, hopefully 2028 brings a new stadium."
James M
" They DO NOT have a box office. You must purchase tickets via the mlb app or other 3rd party ticket agent
Had to see this place before it’s imploded. Thank you staff at Tropicana Field. Had an awesome time! Yes the ballpark is dated but it has so much charm and a very interesting history. Every employee we encountered was super friendly and helpful. Food and beverage prices on par with other events. Even the local police were very polite and helped move traffic the best I’ve ever seen. A wonderful night at the ballpark from start to finish."
Mike H
"We’ve been to the field a few times for games. It’s always clean and well organized. The team throws out at least 200+ baseballs to the kids in the stand every single game. The a/c is kicking and the lights in the dome are fun to watch. 10/10 will be going to more games."
Dani Black
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tropicana Field is located in St. Petersburg, Florida. While specific public transport options can vary, Lyft and ride-sharing services are common ways to get there. If you're driving, be aware of parking availability and potential costs.
Yes, parking is available at Tropicana Field, though availability and cost can vary depending on the event. It's advisable to check the official Tropicana Field or Rays website for the most current parking information.
Ride-sharing services like Lyft and Uber are popular options for getting to and from Tropicana Field, especially for those who don't want to drive or deal with parking.
For Rays games, many attendees opt for ride-sharing services or carpooling due to convenience. Some local residents might have neighbors who can offer rides.
After a game, ride-sharing pickup zones can get busy. Be prepared for potential wait times or consider walking a short distance to a less congested pickup spot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for Tampa Bay Rays games and most events at Tropicana Field are primarily sold digitally through the MLB app or authorized third-party ticket vendors. There is no on-site box office.
Discounts can sometimes be found through third-party vendors or special promotions. It's worth checking various ticket platforms and the official Rays website for any available deals.
Operating hours for Tropicana Field vary greatly depending on the event. For Rays games, gates typically open about 90 minutes before the scheduled start time. Check the specific event details for accurate hours.
Generally, outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are not permitted inside Tropicana Field, with some exceptions for medical needs. The stadium offers a variety of concessions.
Typically, Tropicana Field has a no re-entry policy. Once you leave the stadium, you cannot re-enter. Make sure you have everything you need before passing through security.
🎫 ⚾ Onsite Experience
Don't miss the Rays Touch Tank in centerfield for a unique interactive experience with stingrays. The stadium also hosts 'Enchant St. Petersburg' during the holidays, featuring a massive Christmas light maze.
Yes, Tropicana Field is generally considered family-friendly. The Rays often throw out baseballs to kids during games, and the touch tank adds an element of fun for younger visitors.
Seating at Tropicana Field can feel a bit like being in a hallway, as the stadium is older and has a unique layout. However, the air conditioning keeps it comfortable, and many seats offer good views of the game.
Tropicana Field has a unique history, including the discovery of graves under its parking lot, adding a layer of intrigue to its past. The stadium itself, built in 1990, has undergone renovations and has a distinct architectural style.
The atmosphere can be lively, especially during popular games. The air-conditioned dome provides a consistent environment, and the touch tank adds a unique visual element.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Tropicana Field offers a diverse range of food and drink options, including classic ballpark fare and unique local flavors. Many visitors highlight the variety available.
Concessions primarily use a kiosk ordering system. After ordering, you receive a ticket to then wait in a separate line to pick up your food, which can lead to long waits.
While specific options can change, Tropicana Field generally offers a variety of choices that can accommodate vegetarian and vegan diets, often including salads, veggie burgers, or other plant-based items.
Food and beverage prices at Tropicana Field are generally in line with other major league baseball stadiums. Refills on souvenir cups are a popular feature.
Yes, if you purchase a souvenir cup, you can typically get refills on drinks at designated stations within Tropicana Field.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture shots of the Rays Touch Tank, the unique dome architecture, and the festive lights during 'Enchant St. Petersburg.' Drone footage can also offer unique perspectives of the stadium.
Personal photography is generally allowed inside Tropicana Field for non-commercial use. However, professional photography equipment or drones may require special permits.
For baseball games, the atmosphere during the game itself, especially with the stadium lights, is great. For 'Enchant St. Petersburg,' evening hours are ideal for capturing the light displays.
While personal cameras are usually permitted, large professional camera equipment, tripods, and selfie sticks may be restricted. Always check the stadium's specific bag and camera policy before your visit.
Yes, the exterior of Tropicana Field, including its iconic dome, can be photographed. This is especially relevant when considering its role in community events or its architectural significance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a truly magical experience, consider visiting during the holiday season for Enchant St. Petersburg, a spectacular Christmas light maze and village. While the concession ordering system can be a bit cumbersome with kiosks and separate pickup lines, the variety of food options can cater to different tastes. Remember to check the stadium's policy on bringing in snacks or drinks if needed for very young children.
⚾ Baseball Enthusiasts
The Rays Touch Tank is a standout feature that adds an interactive element to the game-day experience. The stadium's climate-controlled environment is a significant plus, especially in Florida's heat. Keep in mind that tickets are digital-only and must be purchased through the MLB app or third-party vendors, as there is no box office. The concession system, relying on kiosks and separate pickup lines, can be slow, so planning your food and drink purchases strategically is advised.
✨ Event Goers (Non-Baseball)
When attending non-baseball events, be sure to check the specific event details for entry times and any unique attractions. The stadium's large capacity and indoor nature make it suitable for a wide range of concerts, festivals, and other large gatherings. As with baseball games, digital tickets are the norm, so ensure you have your tickets accessible on your mobile device before arrival.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Tropicana Field's Resilience: Post-Hurricane Milton
In the wake of the hurricane, extensive repairs have been underway to restore the stadium's integrity. Videos and images show ongoing work on the roof, with crews diligently repairing the damage. Despite these challenges, the community has rallied, with many expressing gratitude for the first responders sheltered at the field and emphasizing the city's strong spirit. The stadium's ability to withstand and recover from such events underscores its role in both sports and emergency preparedness for the St. Petersburg area.
A Unique Baseball Experience: Beyond the Game
Beyond the touch tank, Tropicana Field has a history of hosting diverse events. During the holiday season, it transforms into Enchant St. Petersburg, the world's largest Christmas light maze and village, drawing visitors for a festive spectacle. The stadium has also hosted major events like the WWE Royal Rumble, showcasing its versatility as a venue. While some reviews mention the stadium feeling a bit dated, its charm and the friendly staff contribute to a positive overall experience for many visitors.
The Future of Tropicana Field: Redevelopment and Legacy
This redevelopment signifies a potential shift from the current stadium, which some critics describe as outdated and in need of replacement. However, the existing structure holds a certain charm and historical significance for many, including former players who have shared their perspectives on its unique qualities. The discovery of historical graves beneath the parking lot has also added a layer of intrigue to the site's past. As discussions continue, the legacy of Tropicana Field is being shaped by both its current role and the exciting possibilities for its future transformation.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit