The Tampa Bay Rays will get their 2019 season started Thursday when they host the first of four games against the Houston Astros at the Tropicana Field. Fans coming to the ballpark will be able to get a better view of the baseball this season thanks to new lighting and can enjoy some new concession selections while doing so.
Tropicana Field will now feature LED lighting throughout the entire park, including new blue lights on the roof, giving players a better view of balls in the air. In the past, defenders have had trouble seeing the ball against the backdrop of a white roof and white lights.
Austin Meadows – who got a view of the new lighting when the Rays worked out at Tropicana Field on Sunday – said the new lighting will help defenders pick up the ball a little better, especially at night.
“I liked it,” Meadows said. “I think at night it will benefit us because you can see the ball a little bit better…. It looks cool, too.”
The new lights are not the only addition, as the Rays have also added new turf to Tropicana Field this year.
Local Favorites Added to Concession Menu:
Not only will fans be able to enjoy a better view of games at Tropicana Field, they will also have more choices when they hit the concession stands.
This year the team has added eight new items as it continues to grow its selection of food and beverage choices.
Those new items include two dishes and one dessert from local dining establishments:
Chips & Chorizo – House-made kettle chips layered with Creamy Cheese and Chorizo Sausage Sauce, Sour Cream Drizzle and Chopped Chives. Available at Crabby’s Beachside Bites in the First Base Food Hall.
Sushi Bowl – Sushi rice, sweet potato glass noodles and organic mixed greens from Brick Street Container Farm. Available at the Pacific Counter Food Cart in the First Base Food Hall.
Gourmet Ice Cream Sandwich – Create your own custom ice cream sandwiches by choosing from a variety of cookies, brownies and ice cream. Available at the Sweet Stack Shack Cart in the Third Base Inner Concourse (Section 107).
Along with the local favorites, other new food choices available at the Tropicana Field include Short Rib Grilled Cheese (featured image), BBQ Bacon Burgers, Cuban Nachos, Carved Turkey Sandwiches and much more.
For a complete guide to this year’s concession choices, log on here.