Game Day Tourist

Home > USA > MLB

MLB Teams

Tampa Bay Rays

Weather on Oct 20: Clear · 16°C

Overview | Seating Guide | Tickets | Food Guide | Cheer Culture | Directions | Insider Tips

Club Overview

The Tampa Bay Rays were founded in 1998 as an expansion team called the Devil Rays. The club has reached the World Series twice, in 2008 and 2020, but has yet to win a title.

The Tampa Bay Rays are an MLB American League (East Division) team based in St. Petersburg, Florida. Their home, Tropicana Field, had its roof damaged by Hurricane Milton in October 2024, forcing the team to play as a “road team” through the 2025 season before returning in April 2026. Normal capacity is about 25,000 (upper deck closed since 2019).

🎯 A Marketer's Take on This Venue

Seating Guide

The roof has four catwalk rings (A–D); balls hitting the C or D rings are ruled home runs. Behind right field is a stingray touch tank in partnership with The Florida Aquarium.

Tickets

Official tickets can be purchased at mlb.com/rays/tickets.

Food Guide

Around the ballpark you’ll find a variety of restaurants. Check the button below for a real, location-based list.

주변 맛집 전체보기 →

Cheer Culture

In 2006, owner Stuart Sternberg — inspired by SNL’s ‘More Cowbell’ sketch — handed out cowbells as an Opening Day giveaway, and they’ve been the Rays’ signature sound at Tropicana Field ever since. Opposing teams hate the noise, but Rays players say they love it, and mascot Raymond roams the stands to keep the energy up.

What to read next

📍 Getting There

Tropicana Field · 1 Tropicana Dr, St. Petersburg, FL 33705

Tap the button below to see transit, walking, and driving directions from your current location to the stadium, via Google Maps.

💡 Insider Tips

🚌 Getting Around

The team returns to Tropicana Field starting in the 2026 season (the roof was damaged by a hurricane in 2024, forcing a temporary 2025 season at Steinbrenner Field). PSTA buses and the SunRunner (BRT) connect through downtown St. Petersburg to the ballpark, with a dedicated shuttle (every 10 minutes) on some game days.

🏨 Lodging

Moxy St. Petersburg Downtown (0.37 miles) and Tru by Hilton St. Petersburg Downtown Central Ave (0.39 miles) are within walking distance.

🎟️ Tickets

Ticketmaster handles both primary sales and official resale. For 2026, over two-thirds of seats got an average 15% price cut from 2024, and $10 tickets plus $20 standing-room passes are available for every home game.

💡 Insider Tips

The ballpark is fully cashless, and Evolv Express security screening lets you keep your phone and clear bag on you while passing through without stopping. Bags are limited to a clear 12x6x12 in. bag or an opaque clutch up to 5×7 inches. A stingray touch tank in right-center field offers a free hands-on experience.