Renderings For New Rays Stadium Unveiled
We are almost halfway through the 2024 Major League Baseball season and with the Tampa Bay Rays looking to make their way into the postseason in October, it’s hard to not look into the future and see what could come to St. Petersburg in 2028. Yesterday, the design and new renderings for the new Rays stadium were released. If it is approved, it will replace Tropicana Field.
From these renderings the new stadium will be a three-deck design that will seat about 30,000 fans with different seating styles. It will include viewing areas, club and suites and more. It is said that the new stadium will be “the most intimate and inviting in the sport” according to the Rays President Matt Silverman.
There will also be some new fan experiences featured in the new ballpark including a fan-favorite the Rays Touch Tank which is beloved by young fans. Overall, this park is set to be an experience like no other in baseball.
As much as I love seeing games at the Trop, I think it’s time for an upgrade, the team has been playing there since 1998, and seeing the design for the new stadium would not only be great for the fans and franchise but, for the city of St. Petersburg which is already a fun part of the Bay are to hang. I feel with this upgrade Rays fans from over the bridges will feel reignited to make the drive over and catch the good vibes in St. Pete.
Both the St. Pete City Council and Pinellas County Commission are supposed to make their vote on the stadium and all the agreements in July. So, as fans cross their fingers and await the decision; if it passes the construction to begin building the ballpark will start in January 2025, and up and running by the MLB Opening Day in 2028.
Hopefully, this can come into fruition.
5 Things In Tropicana Field That Need To Be In The New Rays Stadium
The Rays Touch Tank
It’s a stadium must-see for the Rays. The sting ray touch tank is a tribute to the original Rays uniform and is the first of its kind at a professional sports venue. For the new stadium, we would love to see a bigger tank where maybe you can take standing photos against the glass with the sting rays.
Party In The Outfield
One of the Trop’s newest additions, The Budweiser Porch, out in centerfield is a great spot to hang before or during the game! The area features a long bar which makes it easy to get your beer and back to your spot. There’s also exclusive food stands here like Beer Battered Fries from Pig & Potato or the Hawaiian Hot Dog from Pacific Counter. Needless to say there definitely needs to be an outfield hang spot in the new stadium.
BallPark & Rec Lounge
Another great addition to the Trop that we would hate to see go. An arcade lounge indoors and outdoors that’s a great spot to hang before or after the game. It helps that there are two Tampa Bay Park and Rec locations so it will still feel fitting to include them in the new stadium.
Beans & Barlour
The most bougie milkshakes in baseball, but they are WORTH IT! Pro tip: they’re even better when you add whiskey! We can’t imagine the new stadium without this foodie staple.
The Rays Museum/162 Landing
Life-long and newbie Rays fans love to reminisce at the Rays Museum that features the history of the franchise since its inception. 162 Landing is another great spot to look back and remember one of the Rays most iconic wins. We hope the new stadium finds a way to incorporate Longo’s winning home runs and all the other milestones the Rays have reached since becoming a team back in the 90’s.
