This Tuesday won’t be the biggest game in Tampa Bay Rays history, but it will, without any doubt, be one of the most meaningful in the franchise’s history. The Rays return to St. Pete and Tropicana Field for the first time in 18 months when they host the Chicago Cubs for their home opener on Monday, April 6, as part of a six-game homestand.
It’s a rare occurrence that the attention from the crowd will be centered on the stadium itself instead of the nine guys in blue and white running around the field, at least early on. There have been small sneak peeks here and there, but next week will offer fans what is the first true look at the renovated stadium after it suffered near-catastrophic damage in the 2024 hurricane season.
Those we talk to inside the organization say fans will be amazed at how much different – and better – the place looks. Naturally, there was a lot of work to be done inside, with the interior of the dome exposed to the elements for more than a full year before the new roof was installed in November. Crews have been working day and night since then to bring the stadium back to life.
The result is a shiny, sparkling, and colorful space. One note has stood out to us in particular: the new roof is a clearer white than the original, which lets a more natural light flood into the stadium and brightens the colors throughout. It makes the space decidedly more airy than it was before.
The Skydeck area includes a new mural depicting the Sunshine Skyway Bridge
Of course, it’s not just the lighting and perfect 70-degree temps that are new. The Rays seriously upgraded seating areas throughout the stadium, and there’s a little something for everybody. They introduced two brand new premium areas (the Home Plate Box sounds more than a little splurge-worthy), upgraded the existing ones, and then completely reimagined their suite experiences. We highly recommend getting a group together to pool in for a game in a suite. You get your own catered group party in the stadium, and it’s surprisingly affordable when split among a group.
Perhaps our favorite new addition, however, is the MaintenX SkyDeck. Located above left field, the remodeled 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. If you want to do the 9/9/9 challenge, this is the place to give it a go. Your cheering section is built right in.
Meanwhile, the Rays have also added some truly tempting new concession items. This is the part we’re always most excited about, and the 2026 debuts deliver the goods. First-time options include a Cubano hot dog, a Cheetos Flamin’ Hot-crusted corn dog, a haute potato, chicken empanadas, a BBQ burger, and a “pretzstrami” pastrami sandwich on a pretzel bun.
The season spent at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa was a fun change of pace during the repairs, but we’re also thrilled to be back in the air conditioning with no threat of sunburn or rainout as we quickly race to summer.
The Rays open their return to St. Pete with six games at The Trop next week. Single-game tickets for any game this season are available here. To learn more about their stadium upgrades, check out this full breakdown. And don’t forget – the Rays are giving $10 in concessions or merch at the stadium to every ticket bought during the month of April.