Tropicana Field

Tropicana Field is a baseball stadium in St. Petersburg with a fixed roof that allows play regardless of weather. The seating tiers wrap around the playing surface in sections at different heights, with multiple access points leading to concession areas and restrooms.

The facility opened in 1990 as Florida Suncoast Dome, initially without a permanent team, and was designed as a multipurpose arena. Eight years later, the Tampa Bay Rays moved in, prompting renovations to adapt the building specifically for baseball.

The venue takes its name from a former Las Vegas hotel and casino, reflecting the investors' desire to bring a sense of glamour to the region. On game days, fans fill the interior to watch the Tampa Bay Rays, and many local families treat these visits as a regular part of their summer routine.

The facility sits in central St. Petersburg, with ample parking and good public transport links nearby. The air-conditioned interior offers relief from Florida's heat and humidity, making visits comfortable throughout the season.

The design incorporates several steel catwalks suspended below the roof, originally intended as a technical solution, but they occasionally intercept balls and alter play. These elements are an unusual factor in baseball and sometimes lead to special rulings when a ball strikes them.

Location: St. Petersburg

Architects: Populous

Official opening: March 3, 1990

Capacity: 45369

Website: https://mlb.com/rays/ballpark

GPS coordinates: 27.76833,-82.65333

Latest update: December 12, 2025 20:30