Visiting from Baltimore to watch the Rays vs. Orioles next week (Tampa: to rent, hotel)

[drew127]

So I'm flying down to see the second game of the season, Rays vs. Orioles at Tropicana Field next Wednesday. First and foremost, I'd like to figure out the public transportation situation. I've looked on the Rays website but there isn't much useful info for getting to/from Tropicana Field.

The hotel we are staying at is located in downtown Tampa on 7th Ave. The stadium is 18 miles from there, and I don't really feel like paying for an expensive cab ride although that might be the only option.

Also, does anyone have any info on cool spots to hit before/after the game? Either in St. Pete or Tampa near the hotel (which is in the Ybor City area). I don't want loud obnoxious clubs, more along a nice bar/brewery type scene.

[niceguy19125]

Unfortunately, the public transportation system is not what it should be and utilizing it would take a couple of hours to make the trip. Tropicana Field is in St Petersburg, not Tampa so as you noticed it's 18 miles across the Bay to reach it. Have you considered changing to a St Petersburg hotel versus the one in Tampa? For a place to hang out, I'd recommend The Independent. The Independent - St. Pete's Original World-Class Beer Hall

[craigm1841]

i woudl stay in st pete if you are only coming down for the game. Dont let the name "Tampa Bay Rays" fool you.

[ferret111]

You're not even in Downtown Tampa. 7th Avenue is in the Ybor City district, which is just east of Downtown. While you can take the bus to St. Pete, it really will take a few hours, and, if this is a night game, you most certainly won't be able to take it home. It would be different if the game was just activity during your visit, but if you're coming here solely for the game, you'd be better off staying in St. Pete.

[BucFan]

yeah - ST Pete would have been better - they have a trolley system to get around town and some nice beaches on the gulf coast side. Maybe find a hotel that has a shuttle to the airport which is a little distance away from STP - or rent a car for a day or two.

BTW, upfront apologies - the Trop is a disappointing place to see baseball - only consolation is that it is air conditioned and comfortable in the summertime.

[tampaguy03]

If you are set on staying in Tampa, you will need to cab it(prob over $50 each way)...for pub/brewery type places in Ybor check out Tampa Bay Brewing Company, New World Brewery, Gaspars Grotto, Green Iguana.
Near the Trop check out Ferg's before the game, but head to Central Ave and places like Independant, Mastrys, Pelican Pub.

[KathyA11]

Originally Posted by BucFan

BTW, upfront apologies - the Trop is a disappointing place to see baseball - only consolation is that it is air conditioned and comfortable in the summertime.

After Spring Training, though, it's the only choice for fans of the visiting teams who now live in Florida and who want to see their teams live.

[FloridaKash]

I have been looking forward to taking the kids to a MLB game. It was a lot of fun to do in Seattle. My oldest is the only one who has ever been to a game and I think she was about 18 months old at the time. I keep hearing that Tropicana field is lame. That stinks. After going to such a nice place as Safeco Field I am sure I may be dissapointed, but my kids will be none the wiser and have a great time.

I see online they charge a convenience fee to purchase tickets. Is there a way to buy tickets and avoid this inconvenient convenience fee? Also, any suggestions on the best cheap seats for my kids which will be 8 and younger? I know they will probably want to do more things within the park than watch the actual game. So sections closest to the 'attractions' would be nice.


Thanks

[tjax1000]

Cheaper just to rent a car (if you're a driver), I usually grab mine off priceline for a ~$20/day bid. You just about need a car if you're going anywhere in FL, unless you're staying in Disney and never want to leave their jurisdiction.

[KathyA11]

Originally Posted by AlaskaKash

I see online they charge a convenience fee to purchase tickets. Is there a way to buy tickets and avoid this inconvenient convenience fee?

You're whacked with this if you buy through the club's website -- you can't avoid it. You may find tickets the day of the game, but if the Yankees or Red Sox are in town, there's no guarantee there will be tickets available. YOu might want to try Stub Hub.


Also, any suggestions on the best cheap seats for my kids which will be 8 and younger? I know they will probably want to do more things within the park than watch the actual game. So sections closest to the 'attractions' would be nice.


Thanks

Why not check the Rays website? They have a schematic of the park. We got tickets on the press level for Sunday's game (go, Yankees!). I used the diagram to choose them.