Tropicana Field, also known as "The Trop," is a multi-purpose domed stadium in St. Petersburg, Florida. It has served as the home of the Tampa Bay Rays since the team's inception in 1998. Besides baseball, the stadium hosts events like college football and previously served as the venue for the St. Petersburg Bowl. Notably, Tropicana Field is unique in Major League Baseball as the only stadium with a non-retractable dome, making it the sole year-round indoor venue in the league. The stadium's seating capacity is the smallest in MLB when obstructed-view seats are covered, a common practice during Rays games.
1976: First Full Dirt Infield on Artificial Turf
In 1976, Busch Stadium II implemented the first artificial turf field with a full dirt infield, a design later adopted by Tropicana Field.
1979: St. Petersburg City Council's refurbishment vote
In 1979, the St. Petersburg City Council voted to refurbish the Gas Plant neighborhood, eventually leading to plans for a baseball stadium to attract a major league team.
1982: Baseball stadium plan approved
In 1982, a plan to build a baseball stadium on the Gas Plant neighborhood site was approved by the St. Petersburg City Council, aiming to attract a major league team.
1983: Early Stadium Designs Proposed
In 1983, designs for a baseball park or multi-purpose stadium were proposed in St. Petersburg, including a concept for an open-air stadium with a circus tent-like cover, which later influenced the design of Tropicana Field.
1986: Construction Begins on Future Tropicana Field
In 1986, construction started on a domed stadium in St. Petersburg to attract a Major League Baseball team, leading to the eventual creation of Tropicana Field.
1986: Transformation of Gas Plant neighborhood
In 1986, the land where Tropicana Field now stands was transformed from the Gas Plant neighborhood to accommodate the stadium's construction.
1987: Hazardous chemicals found during construction
In 1987, hazardous chemicals were discovered in the soil at the Tropicana Field construction site, leading to significant cleanup efforts by the city.
June 29, 1990: First large concert by Don Henley
On June 29, 1990, Tropicana Field hosted one of its first large events, a concert by Don Henley. This marked the beginning of the venue's history as a concert location.
August 1990: Largest concert attendance with New Kids on the Block
In August 1990, Tropicana Field saw its largest concert attendance with a performance by the boy band New Kids on the Block.
November 1992: Blocked Sale of San Francisco Giants
In November 1992, the proposed sale and relocation of the San Francisco Giants to the Tampa Bay area was blocked by National League owners, following pressure from San Francisco officials and H. Wayne Huizenga, then-owner of the Florida Marlins.
1992: World of Outlaws Sprint Cars at Suncoast Dome
In 1992, as part of Florida Speedweeks, the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars raced at the Suncoast Dome, now Tropicana Field, from February 7 to 9.
1993: Florida Suncoast Dome's Role in NHL and AFL
In 1993, the Florida Suncoast Dome, renamed ThunderDome, hosted the Tampa Bay Lightning and set several attendance records, marking its significance in NHL and AFL history.
1993: Tampa Bay Lightning Moves to ThunderDome
In 1993, the Tampa Bay Lightning moved to the venue, now renamed the ThunderDome, and stayed until 1996.
February 1994: Opening of Ted Williams Museum and Hitters Hall of Fame
In February 1994, the Ted Williams Museum and Hitters Hall of Fame opened in Hernando, Florida, celebrating the legacy of baseball legend Ted Williams.
1995: MLB Expansion Brings Baseball to ThunderDome
In 1995, MLB's expansion to the Tampa Bay area brought a baseball team to the ThunderDome, leading to its renovation and renaming to Tropicana Field.
1995: ArenaBowl IX Held at Tropicana Field
In 1995, Tropicana Field hosted ArenaBowl IX, a significant event in the arena football league.
April 23, 1996: Record Stanley Cup playoffs attendance
On April 23, 1996, Tropicana Field, then known as the ThunderDome, set the record for the highest attendance at a Stanley Cup playoffs game, with 28,183 fans. This was the largest-ever crowd at an NHL game at that time.
October 1996: Tropicana Products Acquires Naming Rights
In October 1996, Tropicana Products secured a 30-year naming rights deal for the stadium, which was then renamed Tropicana Field.
1996: SCCA Trans-Am Series race
In 1996, an SCCA Trans-Am Series race was held on a temporary course at Tropicana Field, utilizing the parking lot and surrounding streets.
1996: Renovation and Renaming to Tropicana Field
In 1996, the ThunderDome was renamed Tropicana Field following a $70 million renovation and the completion of Amalie Arena, which allowed previous tenants like the Lightning to move out.
1996: Opening of Amalie Arena
In 1996, the opening of Amalie Arena in nearby Tampa contributed to a decline in the number of large concerts held at Tropicana Field.
1997: SCCA Trans-Am Series race
In 1997, Tropicana Field hosted another SCCA Trans-Am Series race on a temporary course around the venue's parking lot and nearby streets.
March 31, 1998: First MLB Game at Tropicana Field
On March 31, 1998, Tropicana Field hosted its first regular-season baseball game when the Tampa Bay Devil Rays played against the Detroit Tigers. The Tigers won 11-6, with Luis Gonzalez hitting the first home run in the stadium.
May 29, 1998: Edgar Martínez hits catwalk for home run
On May 29, 1998, Edgar Martínez of the Seattle Mariners became the first player to hit a home run by striking the D ring at Tropicana Field, following a recent change in ground rules regarding the C ring.
1998: Tampa Bay Rays' Inaugural Season at Tropicana Field
In 1998, Tropicana Field became the home of the Tampa Bay Rays, marking the team's inaugural season in Major League Baseball.
1998: Establishment of the Devil Rays
In 1998, the establishment of the (Devil) Rays baseball team led to a decreased number of concerts at Tropicana Field due to scheduling conflicts with the team's home games.
1998: NCAA Men's Basketball Regional Final
In 1998, Tropicana Field served as a regional final site for the NCAA men's basketball tournament, marking an important sports event at the venue.
1998: PepsiCo Acquires Tropicana
In 1998, PepsiCo purchased Tropicana but chose not to alter the stadium's naming rights, as the Tropicana brand was well-regarded by local fans.
May 2, 1999: José Canseco's ball sticks in catwalk
On May 2, 1999, José Canseco hit a ball that lodged into the B ring catwalk at Tropicana Field, highlighting the unusual challenges posed by the stadium's structure.
1999: Hosting of NCAA Final Four
In 1999, Tropicana Field hosted the NCAA Final Four, where the Connecticut Huskies claimed the championship against the Duke Blue Devils, the last NCAA men's basketball game at the venue.
1999: Wade Boggs' 3,000th Hit Home Run
In 1999, Wade Boggs hit a home run for his 3,000th hit at Tropicana Field, commemorated with a golden seat and plaque where the ball landed.
2000: FieldTurf Installation at Tropicana Field
In 2000, Tropicana Field's AstroTurf surface was replaced with the softer FieldTurf, continuing its tradition of a full dirt infield.
2003: Ted Williams Inducted into His Own Hall of Fame
In 2003, Ted Williams was posthumously inducted into the Hitters Hall of Fame, which he founded, marking a significant moment in honoring his legacy.
2004: Opening of MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre
In 2004, the MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre opened and became a major concert venue in Tampa, further reducing the number of concerts at Tropicana Field.
May 12, 2006: Jonny Gomes' fly ball hits catwalk
On May 12, 2006, Devil Rays outfielder Jonny Gomes hit a fly ball that struck the B ring catwalk at Tropicana Field during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays. The ball got momentarily stuck, then rolled off, leading to Gomes being caught out. Despite manager Joe Maddon's argument for a ground rule double, the umpires ruled against it.
2006: Facelift and Additions to Tropicana Field
In 2006, Tropicana Field underwent a $25 million facelift, including the addition of a live Cownose ray tank behind the center field wall.
2006: Relocation of Ted Williams Museum to Tropicana Field
In 2006, the Ted Williams Museum and Hitters Hall of Fame was relocated to Tropicana Field after its original location in Hernando went bankrupt.
2006: Field-level Party Sections Installed
In 2006, Tropicana Field added field-level party sections in the corners, enhancing the venue's group seating options.
June 2007: First after-baseball concert with Sha Na Na
In June 2007, Tropicana Field hosted its first after-baseball concert featuring Sha Na Na, marking the beginning of a series of post-game performances that increased game attendance.
August 6, 2007: AstroTurf Warning Track Replaced
On August 6, 2007, Tropicana Field replaced its AstroTurf warning track with FieldTurf Duo, enhancing the stadium's playing surface.
2007: Introduction of Sting 'Em Dog
In 2007, Tropicana Field introduced the 'Sting 'Em' Dog, a chili and cheese-topped hot dog, to compete with other stadium hot dog traditions.
2007: 2007 Renovations at Tropicana Field
In 2007, Tropicana Field saw further upgrades, including a new video board, HDTV capabilities, and FieldTurf Duo installation, enhancing the fan experience.
2007: Opening of New Wing in Ted Williams Museum
In 2007, a new 7,000-square-foot wing dedicated to Ted Williams's careers and memorabilia opened at Tropicana Field.
2007: Launch of Summer Concert Series
In 2007, the Rays initiated a 'Summer Concert Series' at Tropicana Field, featuring a variety of musical performances after select home games, providing additional entertainment for fans.
May 26, 2008: Carlos Peña's pop-fly hits catwalk
On May 26, 2008, Carlos Peña hit a pop-fly that struck the B ring catwalk at Tropicana Field in a game against the Texas Rangers. Initially, a home run was mistakenly awarded, but after deliberation, it was changed to a ground rule double.
September 3, 2008: First Official Use of Instant Replay
On September 3, 2008, Tropicana Field witnessed the first official use of instant replay in Major League Baseball history, during a game between the Rays and the New York Yankees. The play involved a home run hit by Alex Rodriguez, which was reviewed by the umpires to verify the call.
October 2, 2008: Evan Longoria's postseason catwalk home run
On October 2, 2008, Evan Longoria of the Rays hit a home run off the C ring in the 3rd inning of Game 1 of the 2008 American League Division Series against the Chicago White Sox, marking the first postseason homer via the catwalk.
October 14, 2008: Upper Deck Tarps Removed for Postseason
On October 14, 2008, the Rays announced the removal of upper deck tarps at Tropicana Field for the rest of the postseason, increasing stadium capacity to nearly 41,000 for Game 6 of the ALCS.
October 2008: Tropicana Field Hosts First Postseason Games
In October 2008, Tropicana Field hosted its first baseball postseason games, as the Rays competed against the Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox, and Philadelphia Phillies. The Rays became the American League Champions on October 19, 2008, following Game 7 of the ALCS.
December 2008: St. Petersburg Bowl Begins at Tropicana Field
In December 2008, Tropicana Field became the home of the St. Petersburg Bowl, a college football postseason bowl game which continued until December 2017.
2008: Announcement of Tropicana Field as Gasparilla Bowl Venue
In 2008, the NCAA announced that Tropicana Field would host a postseason college bowl game, later named the Gasparilla Bowl, bringing college football to the venue.
2008: Renaming of Sting 'Em Dog to The Heater
In 2008, the 'Sting 'Em' Dog at Tropicana Field was renamed 'The Heater', continuing its tradition of unique food offerings.
2008: All-You-Can-Eat Buffets Introduced
As of 2008, both party sections at Tropicana Field feature all-you-can-eat buffets, enhancing the game-day experience.
June 25, 2010: First No-Hitter at Tropicana Field
On June 25, 2010, Edwin Jackson of the Arizona Diamondbacks pitched the first no-hitter at Tropicana Field, having been a former player for the Rays from 2006 to 2008.
July 26, 2010: First No-Hitter in Rays' History
On July 26, 2010, Matt Garza of the Rays pitched the first no-hitter in the team's history at Tropicana Field, facing only 27 batters due to a double play following a walk.
August 5, 2010: Controversial baseball event with Jason Kubel
On August 5, 2010, during a game at Tropicana Field, a pop-up hit by Jason Kubel struck the A ring, causing controversy as the Minnesota Twins scored a go-ahead run in their 8–6 victory.
October 4, 2010: MLB rule change for Tropicana Field
On October 4, 2010, Major League Baseball approved a temporary change in ground rules for Tropicana Field, declaring batted balls hitting the A and B rings as dead balls during that postseason.
2010: Tropicana Field Becomes Only MLB Stadium with Fixed Roof
After the Minnesota Twins moved from the Metrodome to Target Field in 2010, Tropicana Field became the only MLB stadium with a fixed roof.
July 17, 2011: Sean Rodriguez shatters lightbulb with foul ball
On July 17, 2011, Rays batter Sean Rodriguez shattered a lightbulb on a catwalk with a high foul ball during a game against the Red Sox, causing a brief delay as pieces of the bulb were cleared from the field.
2011: Evan Longoria's Walk-off Home Run
In 2011, Evan Longoria's walk-off home run in the 162nd and final regular season game landed in the section named '162 Landing', clinching the American League wild card for the Rays.
2012: East–West Shrine Game Moves to Tropicana Field
In 2012, Tropicana Field became the venue for the East–West Shrine Game, a college football all-star event, continuing until 2019.
2012: Ted Williams Museum Adjusts Closing Time
In 2012, the Ted Williams Museum at Tropicana Field adjusted its closing time to the 9th inning before reverting back to closing after the 7th inning by the end of the season.
June 24, 2013: Consecutive Home Runs by Rays Players
On June 24, 2013, three Rays players, James Loney, Wil Myers, and Sam Fuld, hit consecutive home runs in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays, marking a first for Tropicana Field.
2014: Tropicana Field Renovation Completion
In 2014, Tropicana Field completed a multimillion-dollar renovation project. This included improvements such as The Porch, a center field common area providing fans with open seating and standing room to watch games. The renovations were completed before the start of the 2014 season.
2014: Fan vs. Food Challenge Introduced
In 2014, Tropicana Field introduced the 'Fan vs. Food' challenge, involving consuming a 4-pound burger and a pound of fries in under 30 minutes to win prizes.
May 2015: Rays-Orioles Series Moved to Tropicana Field
Due to rioting in Baltimore, a series between the Rays and Baltimore Orioles in May 2015 was relocated to Tropicana Field, with the Orioles as the home team.
August 2017: Astros vs. Rangers Series Moved Due to Hurricane Harvey
In August 2017, severe flooding from Hurricane Harvey led to the Houston Astros playing a "home" series at Tropicana Field against the Texas Rangers, marking the fourth time games were moved due to weather.
December 2017: End of St. Petersburg Bowl at Tropicana Field
The St. Petersburg Bowl, which had been hosted at Tropicana Field since December 2008, concluded its run at the stadium in December 2017.
2017: Gasparilla Bowl Moves to Raymond James Stadium
In 2017, the Gasparilla Bowl, previously held at Tropicana Field, was relocated to Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, marking the end of its association with the dome.
2017: 162 Landing Renaming
In 2017, the left field party section at Tropicana Field was renamed after the Tampa sports bar, Ducky's, co-owned by Evan Longoria.
2017: Decline of post-game concerts
In 2017, the number of post-game concerts at Tropicana Field dwindled to two, reflecting a decrease in the Summer Concert Series' popularity.
June 2018: Clint Frazier's fly ball hits speaker
In June 2018, New York Yankees' Clint Frazier hit a 9th-inning fly ball that bounced off a speaker hanging from the B ring at Tropicana Field. The ball was caught by Rays shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria, preventing a potential game-winning home run. The Rays later won in extra innings with a walk-off home run.
July 2018: Proposal for Ybor Stadium Unveiled
In July 2018, a proposal was made to replace Tropicana Field with Ybor Stadium, but it was later announced that the plan would not proceed.
December 31, 2018: Deadline for Stadium Negotiations
By December 31, 2018, the City of St. Petersburg granted the Rays to continue stadium negotiations with Hillsborough County officials.
2018: Concession Stands Feature Rocco Ball Deli
During the 2018 season, Tropicana Field featured a concession stand themed after former Rays player and coach Rocco Baldelli, named Rocco Ball Deli.
2018: Opening of BallPark & Rec
In 2018, BallPark & Rec, a two-story full-service restaurant and recreational area, opened at Tropicana Field, offering a new dining and entertainment experience for visitors.
2018: Sponsorship Change for 162 Landing
Following Evan Longoria's trade to the San Francisco Giants, the Ducky's branding was removed from the left field party section, and 162 Landing became sponsored by Hard Rock Café from 2018.
2018: End of Summer Concert Series
Before the 2018 season, the Rays announced the discontinuation of the Summer Concert Series at Tropicana Field, citing stress on the artificial turf as the main reason.
2019: Upper Decks Closed for 2019 Season
For the 2019 season, Tropicana Field closed its upper decks, reducing capacity to around 25,000 to create a more intimate experience for fans.
2019: Introduction of Left Field Ledge
In 2019, Tropicana Field introduced the Left Field Ledge, a party section above the 360 walkway behind left field, offering new group seating options.
2019: End of East–West Shrine Game at Tropicana Field
In 2019, the East–West Shrine Game, held at Tropicana Field since 2012, concluded its run at the venue, marking the end of an era.
2019: Party Deck Sponsorship Change
In 2019, the Party Deck at Tropicana Field, a small-capacity seating area above the left field outfield seats, changed sponsorship from tbt* to GTE Financial.
2019: Rocco Ball Deli Concession Stand Closure
In 2019, the Rocco Ball Deli concession stand at Tropicana Field closed after Rocco Baldelli was hired by the Minnesota Twins.
December 11, 2020: WWE ThunderDome residency begins
On December 11, 2020, WWE began broadcasting shows from Tropicana Field in a residency due to the COVID-19 pandemic, creating a bio-secure bubble called the WWE ThunderDome.
December 2020: WWE ThunderDome at Tropicana Field
From December 2020 to April 2021, Tropicana Field hosted WWE's ThunderDome, a behind closed doors set for wrestling shows.
2020: Tile Mosaic Removed at Tropicana Field
In 2020, the 900 ft long ceramic tile mosaic at the entrance of Tropicana Field, once the largest outdoor tile mosaic in Florida, was removed.
January 26, 2021: Proposals for Redeveloping Tropicana Field Site Unveiled
On January 26, 2021, seven different redevelopment proposals for the Tropicana Field site were unveiled, with options for a new stadium or without.
March 24, 2021: WWE ThunderDome relocation
On March 24, 2021, WWE announced the relocation of the ThunderDome from Tropicana Field to the Yuengling Center, with the final show at Tropicana Field being taped on April 2.
2021: Netting Extension Over Tank
As of the 2021 season, the netting over the tank at Tropicana Field was extended to fully enclose the area, removing the possibility of a home run ball entering the tank.
April 27, 2023: Return of the Summer Concert Series
On April 27, 2023, the Rays announced the return of the Summer Concert Series to celebrate their 25th anniversary season, starting with a performance by AJR on May 19.
2023: Announcement of New Gas Plant Stadium
In 2023, the Tampa Bay Rays announced plans to build Gas Plant Stadium near Tropicana Field, with a projected cost of $1.2 billion. The St. Petersburg City Council rejected a proposal for a public advisory referendum on the stadium subsidy.
October 9, 2024: Hurricane Milton Damages Tropicana Field
On October 9, 2024, Hurricane Milton severely damaged the roof of Tropicana Field, causing flooding at a planned flood relief and recovery site.
2024: 2024 Royal Rumble at Tropicana Field
In 2024, WWE returned to Tropicana Field for the Royal Rumble event, setting an attendance record of 48,044 fans.
2028: Gas Plant Stadium Proposal Approved
The Gas Plant Stadium project, set to replace Tropicana Field starting in the 2028 MLB season, has been approved by local authorities.