☀️The Shadium
HomeAll Stadiums
GuidesBlogHow to Find Shaded SeatsBest Shaded Seats (MLB)MLB StadiumsNFL VenuesMiLB StadiumsSeats Shade FinderFAQsContactPrivacyTerms
Home › Stadiums › Tropicana Field

Tropicana Field

Tampa Bay Rays

Downtown St. PetersburgCapacity: 25,000Opened: 1990

Overview

Tropicana Field is the only fixed-dome stadium in MLB, featuring artificial turf, the unique catwalk system, and the Rays Tank with live rays. Located in St. Petersburg, it's known for innovative fan experiences and quirky ground rules.

Stadium Highlights

  • Only fixed-dome stadium in MLB
  • Ray Tank with live stingrays
  • Unique catwalk system affects play
  • Artificial turf playing surface

Unique Features

  • Four-level catwalk system
  • Ray Tank behind center field
  • Rotunda entrance area
  • Ted Williams Museum & Hitters Hall of Fame
  • Smaller capacity creates intimate feel

Shade & Sun Protection Guide

Best Shaded Sections by Time

Morning Games

  • All sections - indoor climate controlled

Afternoon Games

  • Entire stadium air conditioned

Evening Games

  • All seating areas climate controlled

Shade Tips

  • Indoor stadium eliminates sun concerns
  • Climate controlled year-round
  • No weather delays or sun issues
  • Consistent temperature throughout

Monthly Weather Patterns

April

72°F 65% 20% rain

Indoor climate control

Perfect indoor conditions

May

72°F 65% 25% rain

Climate controlled

Consistent indoor comfort

June

72°F 65% 40% rain

AC comfort while hot outside

Indoor sanctuary from heat

July

72°F 65% 45% rain

Cool inside, hot outside

AC essential escape

August

72°F 65% 45% rain

Climate controlled relief

Perfect escape from heat

September

72°F 65% 40% rain

Consistent indoor comfort

Year-round climate control

Seating Guide

Premium Seating Options

Club Levels

Lexus Lounge

Behind home plate

  • All-inclusive dining
  • Premium bar
  • Climate control
Cuesta-Rey Cigar Bar

Upper level

  • Cigar lounge
  • Premium drinks
  • Upscale atmosphere

Seating Tips

Lexus Lounge

Best amenities and all-inclusive experience

experience

Sections 104-110

Close to action behind home plate

view

Outfield sections

Budget-friendly with decent views

value

Ray Tank area

Unique experience for kids

family

Budget-Friendly Options

  • Upper Reserved 300s
  • Outfield sections
  • Bleachers

Food & Drink

Signature Items

  • Cuban sandwiches
  • Grouper sandwich
  • Ybor City fare
  • Cigar City beer

Local Favorites

  • Florida orange juice
  • Key lime pie
  • Stone crab
  • Café con leche

Beer & Beverages

  • Cigar City
  • Funky Buddha
  • Yuengling
  • Budweiser

Local breweries: Cigar City, Funky Buddha, Green Bench, 3 Daughters

Getting There

Address

1 Tropicana Drive, St. Petersburg, FL 33705

Parking Options

Tropicana Field Lots

Distance: AdjacentPrice: $20-30

Limited spaces, arrive early

Downtown St. Pete lots

Distance: 3-8 blocksPrice: $10-20✓ Covered✓ Shaded spots

Walk through downtown

Street parking

Distance: VariesPrice: Metered

Limited availability

Alternative Transportation

Public Transit

  • PSTA bus routes
  • Central Avenue trolley

Ride Share: Designated pickup areas

Game Day Tips

Arrive early for Ray Tank

Popular attraction for kids

Try Cuban sandwich

Tampa Bay specialty

Learn catwalk rules

Unique ground rules

Enjoy climate control

Escape Florida heat/humidity

Typical Game Day Schedule

  • Gates Open: 90 minutes before first pitch
  • First Pitch: 7:10 PM weekdays, 6:10 PM Saturdays, 1:40 PM Sundays
  • Batting Practice: Rays BP 2 hours before

Neighborhood: Downtown St. Petersburg

Revitalized downtown with arts district and waterfront

Before the Game

  • Central Avenue restaurants
  • The Dali Museum area
  • Vinoy Park

After the Game

  • Beach Drive bars
  • Grand Central District
  • Baywalk

Insider Tips

Pro Tips

  • Ray Tank is free and popular with kids
  • Smaller venue means most seats are decent
  • Climate control makes summer games comfortable
  • Cuban sandwich is authentic Tampa fare
  • Arrive early - limited parking

Best Value

  • Upper Reserved sections
  • Group packages
  • Weekday games
  • Climate-controlled comfort

Hidden Gems

  • Ted Williams Museum displays
  • Rotunda area activities
  • Catwalk system viewing
  • Downtown St. Pete walkability

Things to Avoid

  • Driving without parking plan
  • Expecting outdoor baseball atmosphere
  • Rush hour on I-275
  • Missing unique features like Ray Tank

Stadium History

Timeline

1990Tropicana Field opens (originally for hockey)
1998Tampa Bay Devil Rays begin play
2008World Series appearance
2008Renamed Tampa Bay Rays

Stadium Traditions

Cowbell ringing

Fan noise tradition

Ray Tank visits

Touch tank experience

Retired Numbers

#12Wade Boggs(2016)
#42Jackie Robinson(1997)