I am starting a new photo series: St. Petersburg Landmarks
The first landmark is the home of the Tampa Bay Rays -- Tropicana Field. It is a much maligned dome stadium. First, almost nobody is happy about its location. It is far from the other major cities in the area, Clearwater and Tampa. Even for us St. Petersburg residents it is not in any kind of walkable location. It must be driven to and it is in an area there is no other reason to drive to. It basically sits in the middle of a huge parking lot. Inside it is dark and dreary looking. I would actually say from the stands to look out over the field it is a depressing experience.
The entranceway and the stores in the immediate grandstand are actually attactive and make you feel like you are attending an exciting event. It is only once under the dome proper does the horridness settle in. I have been to only one game (see photos) and photographed a charity event on another occasion.
Perhaps the best view of the entire property is when you are walking out of the stadium under a mosaic sidewalk lined with tall palm trees toward your car. The walkway does not go on forever, eventually you would run into Tampa Bay!