Tropicana Field Parking Guide (Tampa Bay Rays)
Tropicana Field has 14 official parking lots with approximately 7,000 spaces within easy walking distance of the stadium. General parking runs $15–$30 depending on the game and lot. All parking is cashless – only credit or debit cards are accepted. Prepaying online is strongly recommended, as popular lots sell out for weekend and high-demand games.
Parking Prices at Tropicana Field
General lots cost $15–$30, with prices varying by game tier and lot location. Premium Lot 1 is priced higher on select games. Prepaid parking in Lots 1, 2, and 5 can be purchased up to 24 hours before first pitch, based on availability. Prepaid passes for Lots 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 can also be purchased up to 6 hours before first pitch if spaces remain. Arrive early if you plan to buy parking on the day of the game.
During high-attendance games and weekends, Rays prepaid parking can sell out before first pitch. If official lots fill up, overflow options are available throughout downtown St. Petersburg. Those lots and garages are not operated by the Rays – contact the individual facility owners for rates, refund policies, and procedures.
SouthCore Parking Garage
Located at 101 1st Ave. S, the SouthCore Parking Garage is one of the main overflow options near the stadium. Accessible parking is next to elevators on each level. EV charging stations are available on levels 3 and 7. The garage entrance has a 6’10” height clearance. Payment is accepted via cash or credit card at Pay on Foot machines, or credit card only in exit lanes.
Preferred and Premium Parking at Tropicana Field
Lots 1 and 4 are designated Premium Parking lots. Lot 1 is the top choice for guests sitting in premium seating areas and directly behind home plate. A prepaid parking pass is required to access these lots – drive-up entry is difficult to find on game day.
Lots 1 and 5 are the closest official lots to the stadium, so they cost a few dollars more than general lots. Season ticket holders may be able to purchase reserved or discounted parking packages in Lots 2 or 6 – contact Season Ticket Services at 888-FAN-RAYS for details. Premium lot spaces sell out for high-demand games, so buy your pass online well before game day.
Free Parking Near Tropicana Field
There is no free parking immediately surrounding Tropicana Field. Two practical options exist for parking at no cost.
On Sundays, any vehicle with four or more passengers can park free in official Rays Lots 6 and 7. This carpool program covers the first 100 cars and is available for all Sunday home games.
The other option is to find street parking or a garage in downtown St. Petersburg and take the free baseball shuttle to the stadium. The shuttle runs every 10 minutes, starting 90 minutes before first pitch. The last shuttle departs one hour after the final out. Nearby garages close to shuttle pickup include the South Core Garage at 101 1st Ave. S., the Sundial Garage at 117 2nd St N, and the Al Lang surface lot at 230 1st St S.
Metered street parking in the wider downtown area can also be a cheap alternative, particularly for afternoon or weekday games.
Can You Tailgate at Tropicana Field?
Yes, tailgating is permitted in all official Rays parking lots. Lots open approximately 2.5 to 4 hours before first pitch.
A few rules apply. Gas and propane grills and camp stoves are allowed, but charcoal grills and large commercial grills are not. Outside catering for large groups is prohibited. Each tailgate group is limited to the footprint of one parking space – you can be charged for additional spaces if you go over.
Ferg’s Sports Bar and Grill at 1320 Central Ave. is a fan-favorite pre-game spot just steps from the stadium. It has a large outdoor patio and a direct tunnel entrance into Tropicana Field.
ADA and Accessible Parking at Tropicana Field
Wheelchair accessible parking is available in Lots 1 and 7, with the majority of spaces in Lot 7. All accessible spaces are van-accessible. Parking in these areas is monitored by the St. Petersburg Police Department. A dedicated ADA drop-off area is located in front of Gate 4 on 16th Street South. The SouthCore Parking Garage also has accessible parking next to elevators on each level.
Uber and Lyft at Tropicana Field
The official rideshare drop-off and pickup location is in the Lot 7 area. The area in front of Gate 4 on 16th Street South also serves as a designated drop-off zone. Limousines with four or more passengers may drop off and pick up on Tropicana Drive outside Gate 4 or along 4th Avenue S. near Gate 3 – staging on Tropicana Drive is not allowed.
Rideshare is especially practical for evening games, when post-game lot congestion can be significant. Request your pickup from the Lot 7 designated area after the game to avoid confusion.
Public Transit to Tropicana Field
The SunRunner bus rapid transit has a dedicated stop on the north side of Tropicana Field. It runs every 15 minutes from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and every 30 minutes from 8 p.m. to midnight. More information is at psta.net/sunrunner.
PSTA Route 15 also serves the stadium with a stop at Tropicana Field. Pinellas County partners with the Rays to run a free baseball shuttle from multiple pickup points in St. Petersburg, including stops on Second Street South between First Avenue and Central and on 16th Street by Third Avenue. The shuttle runs every 10 minutes starting 90 minutes before first pitch and continues for one hour after the game.
For fans coming from across Tampa Bay, options are more limited. The Brew Bus runs shuttle service to Tropicana Field for select regular season games, departing from the Tampa side of the bay. Many St. Petersburg hotels also offer their own game-day shuttles – check with your hotel if you’re staying nearby.
Tropicana Field Parking Tips
Prepay online before game day. Popular lots sell out for weekend and high-demand games, and all parking is cashless – credit or debit cards only.
Driving from south Tampa? Gandy Boulevard (CR-600/U.S. 92) over the Gandy Bridge to 4th Street is reportedly less congested than I-275 over the Howard Frankland Bridge. From areas south of St. Pete, exit I-275 at 26th Avenue, turn right on 26th, then left on 16th toward the ballpark.
Look for Rays parking attendants in bright yellow shirts with Rays logo name badges – those mark the official lots. For the cheapest option, park downtown and catch the free baseball shuttle, which runs every 10 minutes starting 90 minutes before game time. SpotHero and ParkMobile also list nearby lots and garages where you can book a guaranteed spot in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does parking cost at Tropicana Field?
Parking at Tropicana Field generally costs between $15 and $30, depending on the game tier and lot location. Premium Lot 1 is priced higher on select games. Prices can vary by season, so check the Rays' official website before game day.
Can you pay cash for parking at Tropicana Field?
No u2014 Tropicana Field parking lots are fully cashless. Only credit or debit cards are accepted for both prepaid and day-of-game parking purchases.
How early should I arrive for parking at Tropicana Field?
Arriving early is strongly recommended, especially for weekend and high-demand games, as prepaid parking often sells out. Parking gates open several hours before first pitch, and lots fill quickly from prepaid reservations.
Is tailgating allowed at Tropicana Field?
Yes, tailgating is permitted in all official Rays parking lots. Lots open approximately two and a half hours before first pitch. Charcoal grills and large commercial grills are not allowed, and tailgaters are restricted to one parking space.
Is there free parking at Tropicana Field?
On Sundays, vehicles with four or more passengers can park for free in Lots 2, 6, and 7. This carpool program is available for all Sunday home games on a first-come, first-served basis.
Where is accessible/ADA parking at Tropicana Field?
Wheelchair accessible parking is available in Lots 1 and 7, with the majority of spaces located in Lot 7. All accessible spaces are van-accessible, and parking is monitored by the St. Petersburg Police Department. A dedicated ADA drop-off area is located in front of Gate 4 on 16th Street South.
What are the best alternatives to parking at Tropicana Field?
Fans can park in downtown St. Petersburg and take the free baseball shuttle to the stadium u2014 the shuttle runs every 10 minutes starting 90 minutes before first pitch. The SunRunner bus rapid transit also stops on the north side of Tropicana Field and runs every 15 minutes from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Rideshare drop-off is available at Gate 4.
Can season ticket holders get discounted parking at Tropicana Field?
Yes, Rays season ticket holders can purchase reserved and/or discounted parking packages in Lots 2 or 6, subject to availability. Contact Season Ticket Services at 888-FAN-RAYS for pricing details.
