St. Pete, Fla-(Newsradio 970 WFLA)-Via Tampa Bay Rays Communications) - Today the Tampa Bay Rays announced a new series of capital improvements and renovations for Tropicana Field, featuring the reconfiguration of the ballpark’s seating capacity to an estimated 25,000–26,000. The renovations are headlined by the creation of the Left Field Ledge—a new area in the lower seating bowl featuring premium seating for small groups and social spaces with views of the playing field—the installation of LED lights throughout the stadium and concourses, and the closure of the upper deck level.
“These renovations mark our continued commitment to providing a first-rate fan experience at Tropicana Field,” said Rays President Matt Silverman. “Together, in concert with the reduction in seating capacity, these investments will help create a more intimate, entertaining and appealing experience for our fans.”
The Rays have invested more than $50 million in Tropicana Field renovations since 2005, including more than $15 million in the last two years. The 2019 capital improvements and renovations will upgrade fan amenities in the following ways:
Offering more social gathering spaces with the creation of a new common area, the Left Field Ledge (formerly the tarped seats above the left field crosswalk) to include a full-service bar, ledge tables, and seated drink rails;
Redesigning and enhancing two primary fan entrances (Gates 4 and 5) to improve the flow of fans through increased access points and wayfinding features;
Exchanging the current turf for a new Shaw Sports Turf product, designed to withstand the myriad events held at Tropicana Field throughout the calendar year;
Adding access from the Budweiser Porch and Ballpark & Rec areas to the Outfielder bar behind center field as well as creating an external entrance to the food and beverage space;
Redoubling the organization’s commitment to sustainable energy practices with the replacement of the existing field lights with energy-efficient LED lights, improving overall on-field playability and entertainment lighting throughout the ballpark;
Elimination of the upper deck level which reconfigures the ballpark seating areas to include the first, mezzanine and second seating levels, as well as the new GTE Financial Party Deck, and concentrates fans closer to the field of play.
Season Ticket Holders will have an opportunity to explore these enhancements to the ballpark at Fan Fest, presented by Tampa Bay Times, on February 9, 2019 with their exclusive early access. Season Ticket Holders who have purchased seats in the upper level for the 2019 season, presented by Tampa General Hospital, will have the option to relocate to an upgraded location.
Photo by Sharon Parker