How to Watch Batting Practice at Tropicana Field [Tampa Bay Rays]


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Coming to the stadium early to catch batting practice gives fans an opportunity to see players up close and personal. Some players may use this time to sign autographs and take photos with fans. But what about Tampa Bay Rays games at Tropicana Field? Can you watch batting practice at Tropicana Field?

Yes, you can watch batting practice at Tropicana Field, although it’s worth noting that batting practice begins prior to the stadium gates opening, so fans will only be able to see part of batting practice. The official time that Tampa Bay Rays batting practice is held can change, but in general, you can expect batting practice to begin roughly two and a half hours before game time. Typically, batting practice lasts 45-60 minutes per team.

The Tampa Bay Rays will take batting practice first, since they are the home team. After that, the visiting team will take their batting practice. The length of batting practice can fluctuate day-to-day, but most teams stick to normal routines as much as possible.

Tropicana Field gates usually open 90 minutes prior to game time (gate times are subject to change). Because of this, it is important to understand that batting practice will already be underway by the time stadium gates open.

In most cases, the Rays will already be done with their portion of batting practice by the time gates open. This means that the road team will likely be on the field taking their portion of batting practice.

Although batting practice is usually held, it is worth noting that there can be occasional exceptions due to manager’s discretion or other circumstances. Batting practice time is also at the manager’s discretion, but as I mentioned earlier, most teams stick to normal routines as much as possible.

Tampa Bay Rays Batting Practice Time

Can You Watch Batting Practice at Tropicana Field?

Yes, you can watch batting practice at Tropicana Field. As we discussed above, the official time that Tampa Bay Rays batting practice is held can change, but in general, you can expect batting practice to begin roughly 2.5 hours before game time (source).

The Tampa Bay Rays will take batting practice first, since they are the home team. After that, the visiting team will take their batting practice. The length of batting practice can fluctuate day-to-day, but batting practice usually lasts 45-60 minutes per team.

As we discussed earlier, Tropicana Field gates usually open approximately 90 minutes prior to game time (source). This means the Rays will likely already be finished with their portion of batting practice by the time gates open. The road team will take their portion of batting practice after the home team.

The main takeaway is that even though, yes, fans are allowed to enter the stadium early to watch batting practice at Tropicana Field, because the gates only open 90 minutes prior to game time, in most cases, it will be the road team on the field when fans enter the stadium. As game time approaches, fans will be asked to take their normal seats.

What Time do Gates Open for Batting Practice?

As we discussed above, Tropicana Field stadium gates open approximately 90 minutes prior to game time. It is worth noting that gate times are always subject to change, but most teams stick to normal gate times as much as possible.

For more information on stadium gates, visit our Tropicana Field Gate & Parking Guide.

Do You Need a Ticket for Batting Practice?

You will, of course, need a game ticket to be able to enter Tropicana Field and watch batting practice, but you don’t need an additional ticket to be able to watch batting practice.

If you need tickets for an upcoming Tampa Bay Rays game, you can read more by visiting our article that discusses buying tickets at Tropicana Field.


Other Things to do Besides Watching Batting Practice at Tropicana Field

You are visiting Tropicana Field to watch batting practice and a Rays game, but there are other attractions that you may find interesting:

  • Ray’s Touch Tank – Ray’s Touch Tank is a 35-foot, 10,000 gallon interactive exhibit conveniently located inside the Tropicana Field venue. Head to the right-centerfield area to enjoy this unique, hands-on experience.  Cownose stingrays live in Tampa Bay, and the creatures in the touch tank are taken care of by staff from the Florida Aquarium.
  • Morean Arts Center – The Morean Arts Center, located at 719 Central Avenue, is about 3 blocks from Tropicana Field, about a 15 minute walk. This contemporary art gallery showcases the art of local and international artists.
  • Rays Team Store – If you want to shop for some Tampa Bay Rays Jerseys or other type of fan apparel prior to the start of the game, you can visit the Rays Team Store which is located near the center-field gate 1 stadium entrance.

Tampa Bay Rays Contact Info

This website (sportsfanfocus.com) has no affiliation with Tropicana Field, the Tampa Bay Rays, MLB, or any of the events hosted at this facility.

Any information is provided “as is” with no guarantee of completeness, meaning much of this information is subject to change, and although we do our best to keep these guides updated, we can’t guarantee accuracy at all times. For all official information, we urge you to contact Tampa Bay Rays staff. Contact information is below:

Paul Johnson

Paul has been with us from our beginnings. He focuses on a wide range of sports, including NFL, NBA, MLB and golf.

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