Tropicana Field Events

Tropicana Field

In St. Petersburg, Florida, a suburb of the world-famous Tampa Bay, sits a monument to Major League Baseball: Tropicana Field. The stomping grounds of the Tampa Bay Rays, there are lots of reasons why this ballpark stands out from the rest. Here’s just a few!

 

The History of Tropicana Field

Tropicana Field was built in 1990 in the hopes that the city of St. Petersburg could attract an MLB franchise. That’s right – the arena was built actually before they had a tenant lined up. This led Tropicana Field to be occupied by a couple of different teams temporarily until it was revealed that Tampa Bay was finally getting their ball team. This prompted the venue to undergo major renovation sin 1995 in time to welcome the Rays (then known as the Devil Rays) in 1998.

 

What’s So Special About Tropicana Field Events?

Tropicana Field events are always memorable, especially because of the design of this arena. Featuring a non-retractable domed roof, this venue is always rain-or-shine, something necessary in the hot, wet Florida weather. It’s also a cozy spot, as it’s one of the smaller ball fields by seating capacity, especially when the upper decks are cordoned off. Other amenities, including a touch tank where you can get up close and personal to actual sea rays and other ocean creatures, round out the amenities of this unique venue.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Tropicana Field located?

Also commonly known as The Trop, this domed stadium is located in St. Petersburg, Florida.

 

What kind of events does Tropicana Field host?

Aside from baseball, Tropicana Field events also include college football, in the past, the venue hosted the St. Petersburg Bowl, an annual postseason bowl game. As for Tropicana Field concert events, there have been plenty over the years. Eric Clapton, Janet Jackson, David Bowie, Billy Joel, Depeche Mode — you name it, they’ve played it. There’s also an annual Summer Concert Series, concerts that take place right after summer Rays games, that’s been running strong since 2007.

 

Which team is playing at Tropicana Field?

Tropicana Field has been the home of the Tampa Bay Rays of the MLB since the team was first founded in 1998. 

 

Where can I park for free at Tropicana Field?

Parking is plentiful near the stadium, with the Rays offering 14 official parking lots in the surrounding streets - with parking prices ranging between $15-$30. There are also numerous private lots around the stadium that are regulated by the city of St. Petersburg. If parking offsite, ensure parking lots are licensed or you will risk getting ticketed or towed! The cheapest lots for Tropicana Field events can be found in downtown St. Petersburg, for as low as $5, from there you can hop on the free baseball shuttle to the stadium. 

 

What is the seating capacity Tropicana Field?

Tropicana Field is the smallest MLB stadium by seating capacity when rows in the uppermost sections are covered with tarps as they are for most Rays games - with 25,000 seats available for fans attending Tropicana Field sporting events. WIthout the tarps, the seating capacity jumps to 42,735. 

 

Who owns Tropicana Field?

The venue is owned by the City of St. Petersburg.

 

How do I get to Tropicana Field using public transport?

There is only one public transport option for Tropicana Field events, and that is the free shuttle bus. It repeats a circular route around St. Petersburg, starting 90 minutes before the event and continuing until an hour after the event ends.