Tropicana Field, home of major league baseball’s Tampa Bay Rays, will be undergoing a complete facility renovation in an effort to improve the fan experience. With the upcoming reconfiguration, Tropicana Field is expected to feature an estimated seating capacity of 25,000-26,000 fans, compared to a previous capacity of 31,042.
Among the key components of the project will be the Left Field Ledge, an area that will include premium seating for groups and new social spaces. Additionally, the club will add new LED lights throughout the ballpark and concourses, close off the upper deck, and install a new Shaw Sports Turf playing surface, according to Ballpark Digest.
“These renovations mark our continued commitment to providing a first-rate fan experience at Tropicana Field,” says Matt Silverman, Rays president, in a press statement. “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 team’s investment in Tropicana Field upgrades is more than $50 million since 2005, including more than $15 million in the past two years. Part of the renovation includes redoubling the organization’s commitment to sustainable energy practices with the replacement of existing field lights with energy-efficient LED lights, improving overall on-field playability, and entertainment lighting throughout the ballpark.
Ryan Berlin is managing editor of Facility Maintenance Decisions.
