Tampa
Tampa City Overview
Situated on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Tampa and neighboring St. Petersburg are one of the state’s most popular visitor destinations. Protected by a natural barrier reef of oceanfront beaches, the area has for the most part been spared hurricane damage suffered in other Florida locales. An active, thriving community year around, Tampa combines the old world charm of Latin and Cuban influences with an active, outdoors oriented lifestyle.
The area is served by direct flights from just about anywhere in the United States, so getting here is easy. The subtropical climate is so appealing though, leaving here can be tough!
This area is perfect to combine with a family vacation to Orlando, just an hour inland. Or, on the other end of the spectrum, enjoy the nightlife in Tampa or the outlying beaches.
The Neighborhood – Tropicana Field
Tropicana Field is located in St. Petersburg, south of Tampa and adjacent to Interstate 275. It’s on the west side of Tampa Bay and not far from The Pier, a waterfront family attraction. Just a few minutes south is the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, connecting St. Petersburg with Florida spring training cities like Bradenton and Sarasota.
The Ballpark
Tropicana Field is a domed (not retractable) facility that always seems to feel somewhat dark and dingy. Perhaps that’s unfair, but it lacks the charm of most major league ballparks. The facility has been renovated in recent years, and more amenities have been added for fans. One particularly unique attraction is the Rays Tank behind right field, where fans can feed (and touch) live cownose rays as they swim in their holding tank.
Seating isn’t bad, and seats down the left and right field lines are very close to the playing surface, so they’re good choices if you want a birds eye view.
Ballpark Tours
Tours of Tropicana Field are now being offered. You can take a 90 minute tour of the facility at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on selected dates during the baseball season. Cost is $8.
Historic Baseball Sites
There are no former major league stadium sites in the Tampa / St. Petersburg area. We do recommend visiting the various spring training sites up and down the west and east coasts of Florida.
Rays Tickets
Rays tickets are almost always available for any regular season game. The exception is when the most popular American League teams visit, like the Yankees and Red Sox. In years past, opposition fans sometimes outnumbered Rays fans, although that has been changing recently.
Public Transportation
Since Tropicana Field is located right off an interstate, it’s probably best to drive to the game. However, you can take a shuttle bus to Friday night games from specific locations around Tampa and St. Petersburg; check the Rays website for details.
Restaurants, Taverns, and Great Beer Bars
Tampa Bay Brewing Company: Any place with the slogan “Beer is Your Friend” is all right with us. Tampa Bay Brewing Company has been brewing beer in the historic Ybor City district of Tampa since 1996. A few years ago, they expanded to a new location just down the street where they serve as one of the centerpieces of the Ybor City business community. Join them for a beer and sit out on the patio in nice weather. The food is great, especially the Iron Rat Stout Crab Cakes. 1600 E. 8th Ave., Tampa. Phone: 813-247-1422.
Yuengling Brewing Company of Tampa: We’ve long had a soft spot for Yuengling Brewery of Pottsville, PA, the oldest brewery in America. Obviously we’re not alone as Yuengling has seen fit to open a second brewery here in Tampa. Located on the north side of the city, Yuengling offers tours Mondays through Fridays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 11111 N. 30th St., Tampa. Phone: 813-972-8500.
World of Beer: The name says it all I guess. This great bar has this area’s best selection of beer on tap and in bottles … there are over 500 varieties available. It’s a fun sports bar environment with a knowledgeable staff and a friendly vibe. 9525 W. Linebaugh Ave., Tampa. Phone: 813-852-2337.
Oldsmar Tap House: In nearby suburban Oldsmar is the Oldsmar Tap House, a great neighborhood watering hole with 35 beers on tap and countless more in bottles. If you’re hungry, they offer a few sandwiches, sausage platters, and cheese trays to go with your beer. 300 State St. East, Oldsmar. Phone: 813-855-9181.
Mr. Dunderbak’s: This Tampa tradition since 1974 just moved in 2009 to newer, more spacious quarters. Thankfully the German biergarten atmosphere is intact, as are the 50+ selections of beer on tap. A house rule is “No Macros On Tap” so if you’re craving a Bud, go elsewhere. There’s a full menu of German specialties to complement your beer choice. A fun place! 14929 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa. Phone: 813-977-4104.
The Mellow Mushroom: We’re not big on chains here at Baseball and Beer Travel, but this southeast U.S. chain gets our vote for pizza, hoagies, calzones, and beer. Prices are right and choices are plenty. 11955 Sheldon Rd., Tampa. Phone: 813-926-3600.
New World Brewing: The quiet courtyard at New World Brewing is a great place to sit and sip the excellent beer selection and enjoy one of their flatbread pizzas. Bonus points to this place for being dog friendly and having a “Yappy Hour” where dogs are welcome to enjoy the bar experience with their best friends. It’s just down the street from Tampa Bay Brewing Company. 1313 E. 8th Ave., Tampa. Phone: 813-248-4969.
