If you want to explore a place for entertainment, tournaments, matches, and more. So, Tropicana Field is one of them. It is located in St. Petersburg, Florida opened in 1990 for organising matches, tournaments and other international games. Tropicana Field St Petersburg is a MLB Stadium where it is the home of MLB Tampa Bay Rays, which is known as the only current fixed-(or non-retractable) MLB Stadium. This field also has unique features like a fixed white roof with over 31,042 seats at full capacity. They also conduct the notable events and programs that are real attractions by which the visitors want to come and explore the things. We discuss tropicana field with its proper seating capacity, location and the accessibility which are available there.
Although this complete guide helps you to explore the Tropicana Field with its all amenities and features. This guide includes the history and cultural monuments, notable events which were organised by the tropicana field. We also discuss the design of the field and the nearby attractions, which you can explore and visit there to experience real world scenarios. There is also organising multiple international games which are popular ones like football, basketball, hockey and many more.
History of Tropicana Field St Petersburg
The Tropicana Field St Petersburg, opened in 1990 and became equivalent baseball culture in Florida. Known as the home stadium of the Tampa Bay Rays—a Major League Baseball team with a loyal and growing fan base. It was originally named the Florida Suncoast Dome, and then renamed the ThunderDome in 1993. Over the years, it has hosted multiple things including games, concerts, events and exhibitions, which makes it a multifunctional hub. What makes it unique, is its fixed dome structure, which never interrupt the games by unpredictable weather.
Top Things to do at the Tropicana Field St Petersburg
Watch a Baseball Game
Attending a baseball game at the Tropicana field is one of the must do activities which offers a unique indoor sports experience. The game starts with an exciting and energetic atmosphere and live music and pre-game entertainment. The stadium provides a comfortable and temperature-regulated environment because of its indoor air conditioners all around. Also, you can freely move around and explore every point of the stadium during the game. Wherever you are seated in the stadium you won’t miss any moment of the match as there are large video displays embedded in the stadium.
Explore the Rays Touch Tank
The Rays Touch Tank is one of the most exclusive attractions inside Tropicana Field. This exhibit allows the visitors to get a close view of live cownose stingrays in a careful way. Under the supervision of trained staff, you can gently touch the rays when they glide through the water. The exhibit offers informational displays that help you to learn about the behavior, habitat and biology of these creatures. That’s why it is a must visit place for families and children.
Take a Stadium Tour
The Tropicana Field tour is divided into 2 groups that are, the Public tour and the Private tour. The Public tour provides fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the ballpark when the crowd is gone. For this, you need to enter through gate no.1 at Tropicana Field and meet your tour guide at the entrance. After that you can start exploring the ballpark, discover its architecture and learn how game days come to life. And, try to arrive 15 minutes early and park your car in the field’s Lot number 7.
The Private Tour offers a customized, behind the scenes look at the home of Rays. You can explore the ballpark and enjoy a tour that is customized according to your group’s interests and schedule. Note one thing, that the private group tours must be booked at least 14 days in advance.
Air conditioning in the ballpark is off during all tours and the routes may change without notice, depending on the accessibility of areas. The visit for each tour will last approximately 75-90 minutes.
Attend Special Events
The Tropicana Field is not limited to baseball matches, it also offers multiple special events throughout the year. You can visit any event at any time from large scale concerts to exhibitions. Along with this, the seasonal events and themed festivals also attract visitors beyond sports fans. It includes events like Enchant Christmas, Ray Concert Series,Cuban Heritage night, Touch Tank, and more. All these events and festivals are for all ages from adults to childrens. And, attending just one of these events allows guests to experience the stadium in a completely different way.
Tropicana Field St Petersburg Tickets, Timings & Entry Info
Seating ranges from leather recliners behind home plate to the top rows of the 300 sections. The best seats in the house are on the middle level. All the sections have limited seats and have televisions hanging from overhead allowing you to see instant replay before anyone else in the stadium does .
Ticket pricing is different for every section of the seats. For the Open space, perfect view and cheat seats the price is around $15. For lower-bowl seats the cost is $35. Premium seats behind the home plate and club access, the price is $100 approx. For more confirmation, it is suggested to check the official site to know the current prices and you can purchase the ticket online also, which will help you in the last minutes.
Best time to visit Tropicana Field
The best time to visit the Tropicana Field is during the MLB season which is always held from April through September. Especially from April to June as these seasons are at their peak summer heat. And to avoid this, the stadium dome provides a comfortable air conditioned environment which is the biggest perk of Trop’s. Although, the dome ensures comfort year round. And most of the tourists and locals prefer night time games and mid season dates.
How to reach Tropicana Field
There are multiple transportation options to arrive at Tropicana Field. And, Tampa International Airport is the nearest airport, roughly 16 miles (26 km) away to reach the destination place. From the airport you can take a bus which goes directly up to Tropicana Field via four to five stations. Rideshare services are also available like Uber and Lyft which will directly drop you to your destination. Those who are coming with their own vehicle, will find several parking lots nearby. Although, arriving early is more advisable to secure a spot. So whether you choose to drive, ride or walk, reaching the stadium is generally straightforward and well-organized.
Nearby Attractions in St. Petersburg
St Pete Beach’s
St Pete Beach is a beautiful beach situated on a barrier island west of Saint Petersburg. It is Known for its white sand beaches, oceanfront resorts and top notch dining. There are various outdoor activities to keep you busy, like parasailing, standup paddleboarding, sunset cruising and much more to explore the water. For special occasion dining you can try the Maritana at the Don CeSar and for live music and drinks, head to the Jimmy B’ Beach Bar. When it’s time to shop, visit the area’s two main streets, bright and colorful. There are further more activities to do on the beach. To reach there you can rent a car or take an Uber to St. Pete Beach.
Sunken Gardens
Sunken Gardens is a lush subtropical garden just outside downtown Saint Petersburg. It is a perfect place for a family outing, as it offers a lavish and sheltered haven in the midst of the city. The Sunken Gardens is one of Florida’s original roadside attractions. And, is a more than 100 years old garden in the state. At this place, you will see several waterfalls, gardens and diverse wildlife which is also good for photography.
Museum of Fine Arts St Petersburg
The Museum offers a diverse collection of world-class arts, interactive exhibitions and inspiring programs and events for all ages.You can also visit multiple artifacts and modern masterpieces with cultural destinations for both visitors and residents. The museum is situated in the stunning downtown waterfront area, and requires at-most 2 to 3 hours to explore. It’s timing is from 10am to 5pm all days a week except monday.
Best Restaurants near St Petersburg
Bavaro’s Pizza Napoletana and Pastaria
A simple and locally owned family friendly restaurant, located in the Central line in Downtown St. Petersburg. It offers a casual dining experience which is perfect for any occasion. And, is best known for its authentic craft pizzas, local craft beers and wines. Each pizza is made using a hand craft, wood-fired brick oven, a 100 years old yeast culture, and Italian imported ingredients. The restaurant timing is from 12pm to 9pm all days a week.
The Burg Bar & Grill
A warm and cozy atmosphere restaurant, offers a large variety of burgers, sandwiches and tap beers. Also have a daily special menu with different food items on each day. This place has great food, clean space and nice employees providing a great service. The timing of the restaurant is 11am to 11pm but on Friday and Saturday it’s 11am to 1am.
Engine No. 9
A local Burger restaurant with a large bar offering beer and wine options too. It’s a perfect choice for a budget friendly meal and is top rated for best burgers in Tampa Bay. The restaurant also accepts online orders which are from near the city. The opening hours are from 11:30am to 12am everyday. So you must go and pair your eats with a glass of wine or beer and you will be ready to watch some baseball.
Where To Stay Near Tropicana Field
Hilton Saint Petersburg Bayfront
A stunning hotel situated just across the street from both Dali Museum and Mahaffey Theater. Offering all facilities including luxurious rooms, with basic facilities like 50 inch flat screen TVs, free wifi, minifridges and more. And on the on-site, a fitness center, heated outdoor pool and a jogging path along the bay.
Moxy Saint Petersburg Downtown
The hotel offers a lively experience and vibrant atmosphere as its a central location near many restaurants and nightlife. It is popular because of the rooftop pool and bar. Also the top rated staff and service will ensure you feel welcome and pampered. From the hotel the tropicana field is just a 3 to 5 minutes walk away & 30 minutes drive to the Tampa airport. The cost of the hotel for one night stays is around $114.
Mint House Saint Petersburg Downtown by Kasa
This is also an amazing hotel situated at just 5 to 10 minutes walking distance from the Tropicana field. This property provides a top rated pool, Communal living rooms, and all other basic facilities. Also there are a few things to do nearby the hotel like bicycles rentals, casinos, sandy beach and more for fun. It costs around $107 approx for one night stay.
Tru By Hilton Saint Petersburg Downtown Central Ave, FL
In the hotel you will experience delightful mornings with the top rated breakfast. Also enjoy the convenient spot for exploring the area and free perks including wifi and between 6am to 9am. From the hotel you can have a short 5 minute drive from Tampa Bay and Salvador Dali Museum. The cost for one night stay is $95 approx which is affordable for all who are seeking for a budget friendly hotel.
Sample 1-Day Itinerary
Here is a full day itinerary from which you can have an idea on how to spend your whole day.
Once you reach there, start your morning with the trip to Dali-Museum to engage yourself in the world-class art. After this, spend your afternoon relaxing at the St Pete Beach or explore the scenic Sunken Gardens. For lunch go to any of the nearest restaurants in Downtown. And, in the Evening, attend a Tampa Bay Rays game and soak in the lively environment. That’s it, this balanced itinerary that will ensure you to experience both cultural and sporting highlights of the city.
Travel Tips for Visitors
Here are some basic travel tips that will help you out during your journey.
- Check the Rays app at 3pm sharp as they offer same-day ticket discounts. Therefore, it helps you to save your money a little bit.
- Outside food and beverage are not permitted in the stadium.
- If you want t-shirts, jerseys, baseballs or any other Rays/MLB branded items, then you can find these all at the main team store near gate number 1 in centerfield. And the other door is the Rays Authentics store with game-used and authenticated items.
- Remember, the tropicana field is cash-free. You must use a debit or credit card for all merchandise, food and drink purchases.
- For parking it’s ideal to arrive 60 or 90 minutes before game time to get situated and enjoy some of the items above. Parking can be purchased only with debit or credit card, no cash. If you have an MLB or Rays account, you can buy prepaid parking for $15 there.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we hope this complete travel guide helps you to explore and gain information about the tropicana field. In this guide we discuss the features and amenities, which the Tropicana Field St Petersburg provides facility to organise games, events and tournaments. Moreover we discuss the history of this stadium, which includes the construction and planning for this field and how this tropicana field upgrades its name and amenities with advanced features. Today, if you are planning to visit the tropicana field, we have provided step-by-step guide for your happy and successful journey. In addition, the tropicana field includes its nearby attractions, where you can visit or explore new places and amenities that increase your curiosity for the real-world experience.