Baseball - Tampa Bay Rays

[cheekychazza]

Looking at going to watch the baseball in Tampa at start of August, think they are playing Toronto Blue Jays, has anyone that’s been got any hints or tips they could pass on. We’d make our own way there as will have a hire car but not sure about what’s nearby for eating, parking, seating etc

[scooby99]

Will that be at Tropicana Field?
If so, this is situated in St Petersburg, not in Tampa.

We’ve not been to Tropicana Field but visit the Tampa Bay Area 3-4 times a year & have visited the area surrounding the Trop numerous times to eat; that area is now a regentrified & hip area to live, drink & eat.

The main thoroughfare is Central Avenue; name a cuisine, you’ll find it & all 1-off places, no chains which is refreshing.

Google Central Ave St Petersburg restaurants & you should get lots of info or look at the street/area on Google maps to see what is there & takes your fancy.

I’m sure there is stadium parking facilities but many other lots offer parking for a set fee in the surrounding streets; it is usually busy on game day.

You’re only 15-20 minutes from the beach at Treasure Island too; drive west all the way along Central Ave until you hit Gulf Blvd & the Thunderbird hotel (can’t miss it); you’re at the beach!

[walt4it]

We have had a couple of trips to Tropicana Field, can thoroughly recommend the experience.


I have highlighted the day experience in two trip reports I have posted on here so hope these will help in your planning


Our 2016 trip to the Trop



2015 trip is here too


Hope it helps

[Guest]

It will be agreat game, make sure you go in blue jay gear and support the Jays or you'll be on the losing side...

Unless it's changed recently the Rays are the worst supported team in MLB so no real need to buy in advance and pay tonnes of Ticketmaster fees, you'll be able to pick up really cheap tickets at the box office on the day

[cheekychazza]

Thanks everyone for the info, really appreciated

[stupet11]

When we went was an evening game, so went to Clearwater first for day at beach - lots to do there (boat trips, pier, aquarium), then back to St Petersburg to watch game and drove back same night - easy drive (and I don't like the driving much!).

We bought tickets in advance of Ticketmaster, but didn't need to. The games often have offers on - free gifts / or food offers, so worth cheeking out. It's a bit weird, not everyone seems to be watching the game...it's a bit like they have gone for a walk in the park and a game happens to be on! Oh, and there is a Ray tank to visit!

I do have a soft sport for the Blue Jays too...

[elmspenguin]

We have been a couple of times and had 2 great night outs there, sign up to the Rays website through the mlb site as they send emails out with offers on at various times of the season. Also check on travelzoo.com and search Tampa as they sometimes have half price deals on there for rays games. Also they have had a promotion for Tuesday night games where it is $2 per ticket for a child under 14 with every paying adult ticket and Sunday's are family days were kids get a free gift on entry, DD got some rays socks when we went.

We have sat by first base and 3rd base and had a great view, this year we sat a couple of blocks further along from 3rd base and the ticket price dropped considerably and we didn't think they were any worse than being right on first base. For parking we parked in a car park that belonged to a business over the road from Tropicana field and it was $10 as it was $20 at the stadium the first time we went but this year we pre paid for stadium parking when we bought our tickets and it was $12 so recommend that. They won't sell out against the blue jays as they very rarely do but if the play the Red Sox on a weekend them games nearly sell out.

The Rays actually had a winning season this year and flirted with the play offs for a little bit after a great 2nd half of the season so hopefully it will continue.

We stayed at st Pete beach when we have been and it is only a 20 minute drive to the stadium.

[walt4it]

Single game tickets now available on The Rays website.

mlb/rays/tickets/single-game-tickets