\u201cI think it was really, really important for us to bring fans back to Tropicana Field,\u201d said Bill Walsh, chief baseball officer. \u201cThere\u2019s so much work happening there. This is a real reason to celebrate.\u201d<\/p>\n
Approximately 20,000 people attended the previous Fan Fest<\/a>, held at the St. Pete Pier before the displaced Rays spent their 2025 season in Tampa. Walsh noted the Trop now has a new roof and no longer symbolizes the devastating impact the 2024 hurricane season had on the area.<\/p>\n He said storm repair progress highlights \u201cour resilience as an organization, and certainly as a community.\u201d What better place to host a free homecoming event, team leadership thought.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is a setback turning into a comeback,\u201d Walsh added. \u201cAnd we want to celebrate that.\u201d<\/p>\n A map of the Fan Fest Block Party. Image provided.<\/p>\n While the block party is outdoors, myriad Trop upgrades are occurring behind the scenes. Walsh said the team continues discovering areas that need attention and new opportunities for enhancements.<\/p>\n The overarching goal is to bolster the fan experience. \u201cWe\u2019re starting to get tight on time, but we\u2019re really doing everything we possibly can to not just come back, but be better than ever,\u201d Walsh said.<\/p>\n He said the Rays have refreshed every area of the stadium in a \u201cvery impactful way.\u201d The team previously announced new premium seating and suite designs.<\/p>\n A new MaintenX SkyDeck will cater to more frugal and social fans. Tickets to the open area above left field start at $49 and include \u201cballpark fare,\u201d soft drinks, beer and wine, which the team expects \u201cto be really popular,\u201d Walsh said.<\/p>\n A \u201cchallenging experience\u201d in a minor league stadium forced and allowed the Rays to experiment with new concepts. Walsh said the team realized the demand for an all-inclusive, social space \u201cat an accessible price point.\u201d<\/p>\n The MaintenX SkyDeck will feature new furniture, graphics of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and unique LED lighting. Walsh said the area\u2019s lights will dim, brighten, strobe, change colors and sync with those typically used to celebrate home runs and other in-game scenarios.<\/p>\n A rendering of the all-inclusive MaitenX SkyDeck. Image provided.<\/p>\n While he couldn\u2019t provide a cost estimate for the upgrades<\/a>, Walsh said the number \u201ckeeps going up.\u201d He also pledged that there is \u201cmore to come.\u201d<\/p>\n The city, as contractually obligated, is completing $59 million worth of storm repairs. New team ownership<\/a> is searching for another stadium site and reportedly prefers a return to Tampa in 2029<\/a>. However, Walsh said St. Petersburg is still \u201cour home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s where the franchise was born \u2013 it\u2019s an incredibly special place for us,\u201d Walsh said of the Trop. \u201cThere\u2019s life still left in this building, and we look forward to really celebrating that.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is a new era in Rays baseball, and we\u2019re excited to help provide that and create that for our fans.\u201d<\/p>\n The new era will officially begin for fans Feb. 14. Attendees can expect player autograph signings, family-friendly games, food and drinks, a panel discussion with team leadership and a charity yard sale featuring memorabilia and game-used merchandise.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screenshot-1381-e1768496089735.png\")
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