Tropicana Field is the home venue for the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball. As the only indoor baseball venue left in the league, Tropicana Field offers a unique viewing experience for both local and visiting fans.
This detailed Tropicana Field parking tips guide offers detailed parking information, including:
- The best official Tropicana Field parking lots
- Third-party parking lots near Tropicana Field you can book in advance
- Areas to look for free parking in St. Petersburg
- Handicap parking solutions
- Public transit options for Tampa Bay Rays events
- Other valuable Tropicana Field parking tips to save time and money
Knowing where to park near Tropicana Field will help you have an excellent experience, and this guide has all the information you need to make the right decisions.
Tropicana Field Parking Summary
Tropicana Field, home to the Tampa Bay Rays, boasts ample parking near the stadium. There are over 7,000 parking spaces in the lots controlled by the Rays. The stadium provides free parking for cars with four or more passengers, a unique initiative.
Regarding public transportation, the stadium can be accessed via the Central Avenue Trolley, and several bus routes are also servicing the area. Public transportation may not be as convenient for some fans as larger metropolitan areas with more developed transit systems.
Similarly, street parking around the stadium is very limited and strictly enforced, particularly on game days.
The parking facilities are a mix of paved lots and grass lots. These lots are well-managed, with clear signage and attendants to guide fans. As with any stadium, traffic congestion can be an issue on game days, especially when exiting.
The stadium provides ample ADA parking in Lot 7, which is located close to the entrance gates.
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Official Tropicana Field Parking Lots
Tropicana Field offers plenty of on-site parking spaces within close proximity of the stadium. If you are going to be attending an upcoming game, going with official parking is probably your best bet.
Main Parking Lots
There are several main parking lots available to single-game ticket holders. Lots 6 and 7 are the largest, and parking in those lots is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. While you don’t need to purchase your parking ahead of time to use those lots, be aware that cash is not accepted as a form of payment for parking when you arrive.
If you want to reserve your parking spot before the day of the game, we’d recommend Lot 2 as where you should focus your attention. This lot offers easy access to the entry gates on the home plate side of the stadium, and easy entry access off of 5th Avenue.
Premium Parking Lots
Premium parking for Tropicana Field is available in Lots 1 and 5. While these lots do cost a bit more than the general parking areas, they are not particularly expensive compared to what you’ll find in other cities. Upgrading from general parking to premium parking is often only a difference of $5.
If you like to park as close to the stadium as possible, consider Lot 5 specifically for its proximity to enter the stadium through Gate 6.
EV Parking at Tropicana Field
A few charging stations are on-site in the parking lots around Tropicana Field. However, you won’t be able to guarantee that those spots will be available for charging when you arrive, so it’s important to have enough charge already in your vehicle to make the trip to the game without needing to plug in.
Accessible Parking Spaces
Lot 1 and Lot 7 each have accessible parking spaces available for this with the appropriate ADA permit. Lot 1 is a premium lot, while Lot 7 is a general parking lot available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is also an accessible drop-off area right in front of the stadium, near Gate 4.
Third-Party Parking Options at Tropicana Field
If you would like to use third-party parking to attend a game at Tropicana Field, you’ll need to make a significant walk to the stadium. With that said, you can use the SpotHero widget below to secure an affordable spot for an upcoming event date.
The parking garage at 175 2nd. Street S. in St. Petersburg is less than a 30-minute walk from the venue. This walk goes through a mixed-use area with some residential properties and a few restaurants, so you might be able to pick out a place to eat on your way.
Free Parking at Tropicana Field
As with most venues in Major League Baseball, you’ll struggle to find free parking in the areas around Tropicana Field. And, if you did find a free spot on a street, you would likely be quite a long distance from the stadium.
Instead of counting on finding free parking, you’ll be better off securing a spot in advance or using another mode of transportation.
Public Transportation to Tropicana Field
Public transportation is not a great option to get to Tropicana Field. With that said, a dedicated shuttle – the St. Petersburg Baseball Shuttle – serves the stadium on game days.
The shuttle won’t work for those coming to the game from farther away in the metro area, but it’s a great option if you are already pretty close and would like to pick up a ride to get the rest of the way to the park. In addition to the convenience of this service, using the shuttle is free of charge, so that’s a nice bonus.
Ridesharing to Tropicana Field
There are designated areas for rideshare drivers to pick up passengers after Tampa Bay Rays games have ended. These areas are along 10th Street at the end of Lot 6, and along 4th Avenue along the side of Lot 7.
Drivers will be allowed to wait in either of these areas, making the rideshare experience to and from Tropicana Field convenient.
Tropicana Field Events
Whether it’s for a baseball game or another event, you’ll want to get your tickets as soon as possible to secure great seats at Tropicana Field. Use the table below to browse upcoming dates.
| Date | Name | Location | Buy Tickets | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bars & Restaurants near Tropicana Field
Although the area around Tropicana Field doesn’t offer a particularly vibrant social scene, there are a few restaurants available just to the north of the stadium if you’d like to get a drink or something to eat.
For a good game day atmosphere before a baseball game, try:
- Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill (at the corner of 13th Street and Central Avenue)
- COPA
- Green Bench Brewing Company
- Intermezzo Coffee & Cocktails
Tropicana Field Parking Tips for a Great Outing
Everyone who attends big events has a horror story about a parking nightmare that caused them to miss the start of the game or concert. Or, if you got in on time, it might have taken you hours to leave after it was over.
Let’s review some basic parking tips to ensure that doesn’t happen to you at Tropicana Field.
Arrive Early and Beat Traffic
Depending on where you are coming from around the Tampa and St. Petersburg area, you might deal with significant traffic. Plan your day to get to the stadium early and secure parking before it gets crazy.
Check to see when the gates will open, and you can arrive early to enjoy as much time inside the facility as possible.
Know What You Can Bring
Tropicana Field has specific policies regarding what can and can’t come into the building like all other stadiums. Check these rules in advance so you don’t have to leave things in the car.
Remember Where You Parked!
There are tons of parking spaces available in the area around Tropicana Field. With such a massive parking area to cover, you don’t want to be searching for your vehicle at the end of the day. Consider snapping a quick picture or your car’s location on your phone so you can get back to it easily.
Don’t Leave Things in Your Vehicle
With so many vehicles left unattended for hours, there is always the threat of criminal activity while an event is going on. To reduce the chances of theft, leave any valuable items at home, or at least tuck them away out of sight in your car or truck. And, of course, remember to lock up!
Pick a Gate
Entering the park through a gate close to your seats makes a lot sense. With that in mind, consider trying to park on the same side of the stadium as the gate you’d like to use so that the whole experience can be simple and streamlined. Look at a map of the venue in advance to chart out your path from parking to take your seat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Tropicana Field parking tips guide provides valuable information for local and visiting fans attending events at the stadium. By following the tips outlined in the guide, attendees can have a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Our tips guide covers various aspects of parking, including official Tropicana Field parking lots, third-party parking options, free parking alternatives, handicap parking solutions, public transit options, and ridesharing. Additionally, it offers practical advice such as arriving early, knowing the venue’s policies, remembering where you parked, securing valuables, and choosing a gate for easy access to seats.
By utilizing this comprehensive guide to parking at Tropicana Field, you can make informed decisions and ensure a hassle-free parking experience at Tropicana Field.
Frequently Asked Questions for Parking at Tropicana Field (FAQs)
You’ll find varied parking prices depending on the event you will attend. It’s typically about $20 – $40 to park for an MLB game, but preferred lots will be more and you might find even higher prices for concerts. It’s best to secure your parking as early as possible to give yourself plenty of choices.
Official parking is the way to go when attending an event at Tropicana Field. Large lots are attached to the venue, so you should have little trouble securing a spot for the game you attend. Also, third-party choices are limited in this area, so official parking is the easy pick.
No, there is no overnight parking available at Tropicana Field. You must return to your vehicle and depart reasonably after the event ends.
Although Tropicana Field is not the best venue in baseball for riding your bike, you should be able to find a bike rack in the area of Lot 1 out in front of Gate 5. Remember to bring a lock to secure your bike while you are inside.
Public transportation and rideshare services are good options if you’d like to attend Tropicana Field without needing to drive.
The timing of parking lots opening up for vehicles to enter will depend on the event you are attending. Most major league venues open their lots for parking around two hours prior to first pitch. Tropicana Field lots are often open 2.5 hours ahead of the game, but you’ll want to take a moment to confirm this information with the venue or parking facility in advance so you aren’t caught off-guard.
The stadium provides free parking for cars with four or more passengers, a unique initiative. Regarding public transportation, the stadium can be accessed via the Central Avenue Trolley, and several bus routes are also servicing the area.
The above statement is no longer in effect, we stopped the 4 passenger discount a long time ago.