Tropicana Field, home of the Rays, is one of the most unique ballparks in baseball

Tropicana Field, the home of Major League Baseball's Tampa Bay Rays, stands out as one of the most distinctive ballparks in the sport. Set to host Game 3 of the 2026 World Series against the Milwaukee Brewers on October 26, the stadium has a rich history that spans over three decades. The original Florida Suncoast Dome, constructed in 1990, underwent several name changes before being renamed Tropicana Field in 1996.

Before the Rays took over, the venue served as the home to the Tampa Bay Storm in the Arena Football League and the Tampa Bay Lightning in the NHL.

The retractable roof of Tropicana Field, a key feature prior to Hurricane Milton in 2025, is unique among Major League Baseball stadiums. This roof, costing nearly $60 million to repair, is not only the first permanent one in the league but also features catwalks that often become a crucial part of the game. When a ball lands on the catwalk, it is considered a ground-rule double, a rule instituted by a partnership with the Florida Aquarium, which houses live rays in the stadium's center field. Visitors can even touch these rays during a unique "touch tank" experience.

Despite its location in St. Petersburg, Florida — not Tampa Bay or Tampa — the stadium faces an uncertain future. The Rays have announced plans to move to a new fixed-roof stadium in Tampa by 2029, as the current lease at Tropicana Field expires in 2028. This new facility will also boast a retractable roof. Additionally, the turf at Tropicana Field, featuring Shaw Sports Turf with dirt basepaths and pitching mounds, and coconut husk backfill, creates an unusual playing surface, making it challenging for players to catch pop-ups against the stadium's white roof backdrop.