BALLPARKS
BALLPARKS
When we decided to head to Walt Disney World for our summer vacation in June 2018, I checked the map and realized that we were staying only 1 hour and 45 minutes away from Tropicana Field. And although I a had not heard great things about it, I still had to see for myself.
Unfortunately, the often low-drawing Rays were playing the Yankees. And I say that because I knew ticket prices would be significantly higher than an average game. And I was right. The stadium was virtually sold out, even three weeks before the game. So I settled on some “Obstructed View” seats on the lower level. They were about the same price as the nosebleed.
After a long power walk to the park, we finally arrived. And keep in mind, this is Florida in the summer, so it was a long, hot & humid walk!
Upon first glance, the stadium did not impress from the exterior. It’s basically a big cement circle with a slanted white dome on top. This slanted roof is unusual, and was apparently built to save on air conditioning costs and to help protect it from inevitable hurricanes. Although it was built in 1998, it looks like it was built in 1970. And even though we we attending the 20th anniversary season of the park, it did not appear that much has been done to spruce it up since.
But we were finally arriving, and so I was finally able to get a bit excited to head on in. For it must be better on the inside, right?
Well, not so much.
Free Jersey
We later came to find out there was a Pride festival in downtown which made the parking situation even worse.
Tampa Bay Devil Rays - Tropicana Field
Saturday, June 23, 2018