Tropicana Field & Central Ave: A Tampa Bay Rays Travel Guide
- Coral Malpass
- Aug 9
- 2 min read
Visiting Tampa Bay? A Rays game at Tropicana Field is the perfect excuse to explore St. Petersburg’s vibrant food and nightlife scene. Here’s your quick-hit guide for making the most of it.
1. Game Day at Tropicana Field
Why Go:
Fully enclosed & air-conditioned – no sweating through your jersey or worrying about rainouts.
Quirky, retro-futuristic vibe with unique features like the Rays Touch Tank (yes, real stingrays).
Food & Drink Inside:
Local eats: Cuban sandwiches, grouper tacos, BBQ.
Craft beer stands featuring 3 Daughters Brewing.
Tip: Eat light if you’re heading to Central Ave after the game — you’ll want to save room.
2. Dinner Stop – Copa (Central Ave)
Type: Upscale Italian with a cozy, modern vibe.
What We Loved:
Burrata starter – creamy, fresh, and beautifully plated.
Short Rib Ragu – slow-cooked, savory, and melt-in-your-mouth.
Great wine list for post-game unwinding.
! Reservation recommended on weekends.
3. Nightlife on Central Ave
Once dinner is done, Central Ave becomes your playground — all within walking distance.
Top Picks:
No Vacancy - Outdoor, Vibrant Bar
Mandarin Hide – Speakeasy cocktails.
The Ale and the Witch – Live music + beer lovers’ paradise.
The Saint – Quirky, themed cocktails in a “confessional” setting.
Green Bench Brewing Co. – Outdoor, relaxed brewery vibes.
4. Pro Tips for Your Visit
Parking: Park near Central Ave and walk to Tropicana — easy to get to nightlife after the game.
Timing: Aim for a weekend night game so you can roll straight into dinner and drinks.
Budget: Stadium food = $$, so plan your big spend for Copa and cocktails.
5. Why It’s Worth It
Tropicana Field might not be the flashiest stadium, but pairing it with Central Ave’s food and bar scene makes it a top-tier baseball trip. Copa is reason enough to come back — the game is just the warm-up.
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