Schedule Magnet
vs Chicago Cubs · Apr 6
TAMPA BAY RAYS
Tropicana Field
St. Petersburg, FLEst. 199025,000 seatsMLB
The only current MLB stadium with a fixed dome and FieldTurf.
Architecture & History
Tropicana Field opened in 1990 as the Florida Suncoast Dome, originally built to attract an MLB team. The Rays have called it home since 1998. The tilted dome and unique catwalk system make it one of the most distinctive venues in sports.
Build specs
- OPENED
- March 3, 1990
- ARCHITECT
- HOK Sport
- COST
- $138M
Statues & Exterior
EXTERIOR FEATURES
Rays Touch Tank
Center Field
A 10,000-gallon tank with live cownose rays fans can pet during games.
Catwalks
Overhead
Four catwalks crossing the dome — balls that hit them are subject to unique ground rules.
Names & History
1990–1993
Florida Suncoast Dome
Built speculatively to attract an MLB team.
1993–1996
ThunderDome
Named during Tampa Bay Lightning hockey tenure.
1996–present
Tropicana Field
Named for Tropicana Products, based in nearby Bradenton.
Also known as
The Trop
The Food
MUST TRY
Cuban Sandwich (Columbia Restaurant)
Ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on pressed Cuban bread. Tampa's defining sandwich.
SIGNATURE
Cuban Sandwich
Columbia Restaurant stand
Ham, roasted pork, Swiss, pickles, mustard on pressed Cuban bread.
LOCAL
Grouper Sandwich
Various stands
Gulf grouper, fried and served on a bun with slaw. Florida essential.
The Beer
FL CraftLocal Only
Cigar City Jai Alai IPA
Cigar City Brewing
Tampa's most acclaimed craft brewery. Jai Alai is regularly voted the best IPA in the South.
Sun & Weather Guide
All GamesMIXED
All Sections
Fully enclosed dome — no sun exposure at all. Always 72°F.
All GamesMIXED
All Sections
The catwalks and tilted dome create a unique but fully shaded environment.
All GamesMIXED
All Sections
No weather concerns — bring a light jacket, the AC can run cold.
Insider Tips
01
The One Thing
Go to the Cigar City Brewing Tap Room and drink a Jai Alai IPA. One of the most acclaimed IPAs in the country, named for the Basque sport historically played in Tampa.
02
The Cuban Sandwich
Get the Cuban sandwich from the Columbia Restaurant stand. The Columbia has been on 7th Avenue in Tampa's Ybor City since 1905.
03
The Catwalk Watch
Sit in the lower bowl and look up at the catwalks when a deep fly ball is hit. The first time you see a ball deflect off a catwalk in fair territory, you'll understand what makes Tropicana Field unique.
04
Arrive Early
The Cigar City Tap Room is best before the crowd arrives. Get the Jai Alai IPA and the Cuban sandwich, find a table, and watch the dome fill.
05
Parking Reality
Tropicana Field has extensive surface parking lots in downtown St. Petersburg. The Rays run a free shuttle from remote lots. Most fans drive.
06
Best Value Seat
Lower box sections 114–124 directly behind home plate. After the 2019 capacity reduction, the lower bowl is the most atmospheric part.
2026 Promotions at Tropicana Field
Devil Rays Fridays (Throwback Uniform)
vs New York Yankees · Apr 10
Pickleball Tumbler
vs New York Yankees · Apr 11
Pilgrim Stops Near St. Petersburg
Weird, wonderful, and worth the detour.
museum
Salvador Dali Museum St Pete
The largest Dalí collection outside Europe, in a spiraling glass atrium in St. Petersburg.
+ 60 min detour
museum
Ringling Museum
Rubens paintings, a full circus museum, and a Venetian mansion on the Florida Gulf.
+ 60 min detour
Plan your pilgrimage
Every Park a Pilgrimage.
Plan a baseball road trip through St. Petersburg and beyond.
Start Planning →