Updates From Under The Roof

We can’t wait to open the doors of Tropicana Field on April 6, 2026 and bring fans back home! The recovery process following Hurricane Milton in October 2024 required patience and persistence, and we’re grateful for the support along the way. Now that the roof is secure, we’re in the final stretch and focused on preparing the ballpark for baseball UNDER THE ROOF!

Roof Complete, Field Work Moves Forward

The journey to complete the roof at Tropicana Field began long before the final panel was secured on November 21, 2025 — a milestone that marked a major step forward in an ambitious, global effort.

Worldwide Resources

The process started with the design of a specialized roofing material by the Serge Ferrari Group, a French industrial company known for advanced architectural fabrics. From there, production moved to Germany, where the base membrane took shape. The material, a translucent, Teflon-coated fiberglass fabric known as PTFE was carefully woven together. A similar version of this material was famously used in spacesuits that protected Apollo astronauts during their missions to the moon.

Once manufactured, the massive PTFE rolls were shipped from Germany to China. There, they were precisely cut into 24 individual panels, each weighing approximately 5,000 pounds. After fabrication was complete, the panels crossed the Atlantic aboard large shipping vessels and eventually arrived in St. Petersburg, Florida, ready for installation.

Specialized Installation

Installing the panels at Tropicana Field presented its own unique challenges. The ballpark’s iconic dome shape meant traditional equipment, like boom lifts, couldn’t reach the installation points. Instead, crew members relied on ropes and harnesses, carefully suspending themselves more than 200 feet above the field while cranes lifted the panels into position. Using a system of winches, the team then pulled and stretched each panel into place with precision.

Each panel installation required a continuous six-hour window of clear, stable weather. Conditions were closely monitored, and if lightning entered the area, work immediately stopped, and the process had to restart to ensure safety. Once a panel was laid, it took an additional six days of gradual adjustments and securing before it was fully set.

Creating the Playing Field

With the roof now complete, Tropicana Field is one step closer to returning to full playing conditions. The arrival of the ballpark’s dirt, formally known as the infield mix, marks the next phase. This engineered blend of sand, silt, and clay will soon serve as the foundation for the 2026 Tampa Bay Rays.

Introducing the MaintenX SkyDeck

Rays fans will have an exciting new all-inclusive experience to enjoy starting in 2026 with the debut of the MaintenX SkyDeck. Located above left field, this vibrant social space offers all-inclusive ballpark fare, beer, wine, and soft drinks, with tickets starting at just $49, making it one of the most accessible all-inclusive experiences at the ballpark.

The SkyDeck is also getting a full refresh, with new graphics inspired by the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, one of the region’s most iconic landmarks. Just as the Skyway connects Tampa Bay and offers sweeping views of the area, the MaintenX SkyDeck is designed to bring fans together in an elevated setting with great sightlines, energy, and atmosphere. Enhanced LED lighting will mirror the full in-game lighting experience, helping the space come alive during big moments and nighttime games.

Whether you’re meeting friends before first pitch or watching the game unfold from above left field, the MaintenX SkyDeck delivers a dynamic, social way to experience Rays baseball. Tickets are available now at RaysBaseball.com/SkyDeck.

Premium Suites

The Premium Suite experience is being completely reimagined, bringing together modern design, upgraded technology, and elevated comfort to create a space that feels as special as the game itself. Each suite is undergoing a full interior transformation, with all-new finishes, enhanced lighting, improved technology, and thoughtfully redesigned layouts that make it easier to relax, entertain, and enjoy every moment at the ballpark.

From brand-new cabinetry with quartz countertops and integrated drink rails to refreshed wall finishes and above-counter tile accents, every detail has been carefully selected to create a polished, upscale atmosphere that still feels warm and welcoming. Inside, fans will enjoy new padded ballpark seating, updated interior furniture, and upgraded technology designed to support everything from casual get-togethers to seamless client hosting.

Whether you’re celebrating with family, entertaining friends, or hosting business guests, these reimagined suites offer a premium hospitality experience that’s both stylish and functional. With a fresh look, enhanced comfort, and smart design throughout, the suite level sets a new standard for how to enjoy Rays baseball, delivering a gameday experience that looks better, feels better, and is built to be enjoyed together. Fans interested in suites can request an appointment to speak with a ticketing representative.

New and Improved Premium Seating

Home Plate Box

Introducing the Home Plate Box – New for 2026, located behind home plate and just steps from the dugout, these premium seats deliver unmatched views from brand-new, comfortable, padded seats. Enjoy the convenience of in-seat delivery of complimentary food, beer, wine, and soft drinks, with spirits available for purchase – all in one seamless, all-inclusive experience.

Baseline Premier

The all-new Baseline Premier section delivers an ultra-premium, field-level experience with plush, movie-theater-style seating, located just off the field behind the Rays bullpen. Get closer to the game than ever before while enjoying convenient in-seat delivery of complimentary food, beer, wine, and soft drinks, with spirits available for purchase. With unbeatable views, elevated comfort, and exceptional service, Baseline Premier places you at the center of the action for a truly immersive game-day experience.

Chalk Box

The Chalk Box offers an elevated field-level experience with oversized, plush seating just steps from the action along the first baseline. Feel fully immersed in the game while enjoying the convenience of in-seat delivery of complimentary food, beer, wine, and soft drinks, with spirits available for purchase. With premium comfort, unbeatable proximity to the action, and seamless service, the Chalk Box delivers an unforgettable game-day experience.

Returning Ballpark Bites

The Pretzel Dog

The fan-favorite Pretzel Dog is back on the menu for the 2026 season! This half-pound Nathan’s All-Beef hot dog is hand-wrapped in house-made pretzel dough and baked fresh daily. As a nod to the Rays inaugural 1998 season, just 98 Pretzel Dogs are made each game. A dedicated Pretzel Dog countdown clock shows remaining availability throughout the game - be sure to order early on the Budweiser Porch!

Fun fact – In 2024, fans at Tropicana Field ate a half of a mile worth of the exclusive Pretzel Dogs!

Sweet Pretzel Bites

Catch the Sweet Pretzel Bites at Twisted on the Budweiser Porch! These warm pretzel bites are coated in cinnamon sugar, drizzled with vanilla glaze and caramel ribbons, and finished with a side of vanilla dipping sauce - all served in a baseball-glove-shaped souvenir dish, ready for your perfect game-day grab!

Short Rib Grilled Cheese

The highly acclaimed Short Rib Grilled Cheese was named “best item” at MLB Food Fest and the 2019 winner of the Tampa Bay Food Fight! The Budweiser-braised short rib is rich and fall-apart tender, layered with a melted trio of cheddar, Swiss, and Havarti cheeses. Topped with sweet, caramelized onions and a kick of horseradish cream, it all comes together on buttery Texas Toast for the perfect indulgent bite. Another ballpark bite that always wins, located on the Budweiser Porch.

Fun fact – In 2024, fans at Tropicana Field ate 8,500 pounds of the Short Rib Grilled Cheese. That’s the weight of roughly 26,500 baseballs!

Historic Statues Back at Tropicana Field

These iconic Rays player statues were welcomed home to Tropicana Field! After spending more than a year at the team’s nearby temporary offices, the bronze tributes - honoring Evan Longoria’s unforgettable walk-off home run to clinch the 2011 postseason and Akinori Iwamura’s pennant-clinching out in the 2008 ALCS – have returned to Gate 4. These statues of defining moments in franchise history were originally unveiled outside the ballpark in 2023 as part of the Rays 25th anniversary celebration. Their return marks a true homecoming and a reminder of these enduring symbols of Rays history.

New Turf Installed at Tropicana Field

Tropicana Field is one step closer to game-ready conditions with the arrival and installation of its new turf this week. Following the installation of a ¾-inch mat padding over the concrete floor, the field will feature more than 137,000 square feet of Shaw Sports Turf, striped in dark and light green for a classic ballpark look.

The outfield turf is installed in 15-foot panels, while the infield panels measure 7.5 feet wide, separated by 450 tons of DuraEdge infield clay. The green turf uses a coconut and sand mix, while the orange turf for the warning track - stretching from the visiting team’s bullpen mound to the Rays bullpen mound - features a walnut shell and sand mix.

The installation of Tropicana Field’s turf marks another visible milestone in the ballpark’s transformation and a clear sign that baseball is returning — UNDER THE ROOF!

Experience New Premium Seating at the Fan Fest Block Party

New premium seats are being installed at Tropicana Field; now is your chance to see them up close! The Fan Fest Block Party will be your opportunity to visit the Membership Sales Deck and get an exclusive preview of 2026 Premium Seating selections at Tropicana Field. Visit Membership Sales to explore season member options that will help you craft your ideal gameday experience. Using interactive 3D screens, compare locations and sightlines while sitting in real samples of the premium seating. Whether you’re considering premium seating for the first time or thinking about upgrading your current membership, our team will be available to walk you through options and answer questions. Sign up to reserve time with our team and get a first-hand look at Rays premium seating.

Rays Rookies Kids Club is Back!

Step up to the plate and join the fun with Rays Rookies Kids Club! Rays Rookies, the official youth fan club of the Tampa Bay Rays, is back in action for the 2026 season. Fans ages 14 and under can register for a FREE membership to access exclusive events and experiences, special ticket offers, gifts, and more. Upgrade to a paid Rays Rookies membership to access even more exciting benefits. Register today.

Countdown to April 6, 2026

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