Tropicana Field

I am going to Florida in July to surprise my parents for their anniversary. I was hoping that the Marlins were home but they are away on a nasty looking road trip (St Louis to Phoenix to New York) so I am going to another Rays game at the Trop! I don't mind the Trop in person and am looking forward to the changes they made this year in eliminating that restaurant in the OF so you can walk all the way around.

Unfortunately, I fly into Ft Myers and will be driving to St Pete for the game that night. Thanks to the Chaser Guide here, I have a cheap room booked at the Comfort Inn Tropicana Field. I realize it is nothing special but it's cheap and for one night! The next morning I am going to do a ballpark tour and then go surprise my parents that night.

I bought a ticket for Section 212 (should be right under the Pepsi sign above the 1st Base dugout). Since the game is against the Royals, it will be a very small crowd. Watch me get shown on TV blowing the surprise for the next night. I may just spend the game walking the stadium...like I did at Citi Field a few weeks ago.

I am looking forward to the tour as it gets you access to the field and the dugout. I am interested in seeing how hard that field is (ie walking on the field, etc). Plus you get to go in the dugout / clubhouse. It should be a great trip.

What are your feelings on the Trop? Any suggestions for lunch before the game?

2 members like this

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Eric Kabakoff (35) on April 24, 2014 at 10:54am

I don't have a lunch suggestion (just in downtown Tampa, which isn't terribly helpful for you) but not only might you get on TV, you might be able to yell out personal messages to the players, a la games at Olympic Stadium!

I am curious to hear about the tour!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by meg minard (30/44/205) on April 29, 2014 at 7:34pm

I didn't get to take a tour when I was there last year. Let us know what it's like.

I remember really liking the passion of the Rays fans. I remember it being freezing cold inside the dome.

And there's a lot of interesting displays/museums to view on and about the concourses.

St Petersburg is a great city to visit.

I don't remember where I ate so can't recommend any dining places.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by David Clark [30/45] on May 8, 2014 at 2:27pm

I want to emphasize what Meg is saying about the museum. I found the Ted Williams museum by accident and I think it is one of the coolest in-park museums. Along the outer concourse [around left field?] there was a small-ish room with a few items. Meh. But look to the left for a nondescript staircase. Go upstairs and enjoy!

Attachments:

aaTed 1.JPG, 140 KB
aaTed 2.JPG, 116 KB
aaTed 3.JPG, 124 KB

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by George Walsh on May 13, 2014 at 4:18pm

I don't have any suggestions , just a comment. Ive gone to the trop dozens of times but have never been to the tour! My wife and son are Rays fans and would love to see the trop behind the scenes. Definitely will look into that next time we are in the area. Have fun

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Tim Choiniere on May 14, 2014 at 9:51am

I have done tours at other stadiums and really enjoyed them. I cannot wait for the one at the Trop - mostly to walk on the field and see how it feels! I have been to the Ted Williams Museum and while it's well-done, I have mixed emotions with it being there as it should be in Boston!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jack (6) on May 15, 2014 at 1:50pm

I liked my time at Tropicana field. It's been awhile but from what I remember I had a great experience.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Craig (17) on May 15, 2014 at 2:27pm

Let us know what you think of the changes/updates they made this season. I am curious on your thoughts.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Eric Kabakoff (35) on May 15, 2014 at 2:35pm

The Ted Williams Museum truly doesn't seem like it should be there, but I thought it was a really good museum, with the Hitters Hall of Fame along with it.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Tim Choiniere on May 27, 2014 at 12:21pm

Agreed.

I will follow up with the changes there as I am excited to see them. I finally booked my hotel (America's Best Inn) and its about a mile from the park. We may do some bar-hopping before the game. If all goes well, I will suggest adding it to the Chaser Guide as its got great rates and reviews unlike some of the budget hotels near there.