What to Wear to a Tampa Bay Rays Game?
Whether you live in the Tampa Bay area, the surrounding metropolitan cities, or are simply visiting from out-of-town, attending a Tampa Bay Rays game can be one of the most enjoyable and exciting experiences you’ll have.
With the area surrounding Tropicana Field, having been recently renovated, you’ll find a plethora of food and drink options to keep you busy both before and after the baseball game.
And whether it’s your first time to Tropicana Field or you’re a season ticket holder, attending a Tampa Bay Rays game can be loads of fun for the entire family.
But before you head out to the local game, you may be wondering, what exactly should I wear to a Tampa Bay Rays game?
Below, we’re going to review what to wear to a Rays game and provide you with options to ensure you blend in perfectly with the local crowd and other Rays fans.
And because the Tampa Bay Rays wear a mix of navy blue, Columbia blue, yellow and white, these clothing pieces will go perfectly with many of your other outfits as well!
Attending a Tampa Bay Rays game? Find out the average length of a Rays game here!
Things to do Around Tropicana Field
Let’s be honest, Tropicana Field, in the heart of St. Petersburg, has a plethora of options and things to do both before and after a Rays game.
And whether you’re getting to Tropicana Field by foot, taxi, or the subway, you’ll have plenty of options for food, drink, and entertainment.
- St Pete Axe & Ale – St Pete Axe & Ale is an outdoor venue where axe throwing is king! The first axe throwing range in St Petersburg and the only axe throwing venue in the bay area with food and drinks available! You’ll have an opportunity to showoff your axe throwing skills while taking in the views and enjoying refreshing food and drinks.
- Imagine Museum – one of the best museums in all of Florida, The Imagine Museum’s mission is to elevate the art and artists from around the world who work with the astounding material of glass. As stated by the museum, “Through the Museum’s collection, we hope to inspire, uplift and educate our community about the properties of glass and how it has enhanced civilizations. When put into the creative hands of artists, glass art elevates and arouses our senses through its beauty, reflection, and form.”
- Vertical Ventures – perhaps one of the best names for a rock climbing gym, Vertical Ventures has been providing the St. Petersburg area with rock climbing adventures since 1996. Housed in a 20,000 square foot location, you’ll find 40-foot tall routes and over 150 routes to climb. A great space with professional staff, Vertical Ventures is a must-visit when in St. Petersburg.
- Kalamazoo Olive Co. – Kalamazoo Olive Co. has been providing the St. Petersburg area with the freshest, most gourmet olive oils and balsamic vinegars since 2010. Founded on the belief of trying before you buy, you are encouraged to try their various oils and vinegars to find the perfect one to satisfy your palate.
Weather Conditions in Tampa Bay & St. Petersburg
Once you’ve found a list of things to do both before and after the Rays game, it is important to plan your outfit.
However, doing so requires understanding the general weather conditions and climate in Tampa Bay and near Tropicana Field.
Generally, Tampa Bay, being in the southeastern portion of the country, has a humid subtropical climate closely bordering a tropical monsoon climate. There are two basic seasons in the Tampa Bay area, a hot and wet season from May through October, and a mild and dry season from November through April.
But do note, that due to the subtropical climate, Tampa Bay and the St. Petersburg region experience a higher than normal amount of rain, so definitely be prepared for the possibility of both during a visit.
During the MLB season, and for when the Tampa Bay Rays play at their home stadium, that is between the months of April through October, the weather generally remains within a low of 60-degrees to a high of 92-degrees.
Of course, these conditions can fluctuate, but generally the weather in Tampa Bay is warmer and can reach scorching levels quite quickly.
Preparing for a Tampa Bay Rays
Due to the fluctuations in weather in Tampa Bay, you should prepare yourself for both hot and hotter weather conditions. Although the temperature does drop a bit as the sunsets, with the longer summer days, you will still likely feel the warmth and tinge of the sun against your skin as the game starts.
As such, it is always recommended to apply sunscreen before heading out to a game and when in the sun for prolonged periods of time. Sunscreen is one of the best forms of protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays.
In addition to reducing the risk of sunburn, sunscreen can dramatically reduce your risk of skin cancer. Statistics have shown that by the age of 70, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer. However, you can lower your risk by using sunscreen with a minimum rating of SPF 30 or higher when you are planning on being out in the sun for prolonged periods of time.
Similarly, be sure to drink copious amounts of hydrating liquids, including water and sports drinks to help against the heat. These drinks will also help to keep you hydrated and will ensure that you remain active and awake during the game.
However, as Tampa Bay does experience extreme heat conditions, you should prepare for those weather conditions. And although the Tampa Bay Rays play at Tropicana Field, an indoor stadium and field, you definitely don’t want to work up too much of a sweat on your way to the venue.
A Baseball Cap
One of the best, and easiest, pieces of clothing to wear to a Tampa Bay Rays game is none other than a baseball cap. Not only will a baseball cap help you to avoid the beating sun on your forehead and in your eyes, but most baseball caps feature the logo of the team you are rooting for.
Now, if you’re looking for a Tampa Bay Rays hat which is a bit more silly and fun, then we would highly recommend checking out ’47 MLB Cooperstown Clean Up Adjustable Hat.
Featuring a rather playful looking manta ray, this hat is fun and unique, while still showing off your Ray’s pride and fandom.
However, if you’re looking for a more sophisticated and modern Tampa Bay Rays hat, we would recommend the New Era Perforated Pivot 9TWENTY Adjustable Hat. With a perforated back, this all-white hat is clean and modern and the perforated back provides breathability for to combat the Tampa Bay heat.
Tampa Bay Rays T-Shirt or Jersey
When it comes to upper wear, honestly the best options when going to a baseball game are to rep the team’s jerseys or a t-shirt with their logo. Both options are easy and generally affordable and will also allow you to showcase your team fandom.
However, we personally have never been fans of wearing team jerseys due to their relative tightness around the arms.
In addition, team jerseys can be quite costly, sometimes coming to several hundreds of dollars. Rather, we generally opt for a short or long-sleeved shirt with the team logo, name, or phrase.
When it comes to choosing a shirt to wear to the Tampa Bay Rays game, we personally prefer short-sleeve shirts.
With the temperature and climate in Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg being hotter, a short-sleeved t-shirt is probably your best bet and the best option to keep yourself cooler during the hotter days.
If you want to showcase your overall Tampa Bay sports fandom, we highly recommend the Tampa Bay Florida 813 Sports T-Shirt. With the numbers ‘813’ representing the Tampa Bay area, this shirt can be worn to any Tampa Bay sports game and will effectively showcase your fandom for the team’s and the area.
However, if you want a short-sleeved t-shirt that is uniquely Rays, then we highly, highly recommend the Majestic Tampa Bay Rays Officially Licensed Authentic T-Shirt.
Form-fitting and with seat wicking properties, this t-shirt is modern and comes in a rather gorgeous light blue color. Honestly, we really love this t-shirt and the overall design it holds.
Joggers or Athletic Pants
Interestingly enough, we typically opt to go for a pair of joggers or athletic pants when going to a Rays game. The reason is that while the weather may be hotter on some days, rain showers can occur at almost any time.
And we’re really not fans of wearing wet jeans.
However, we generally like to go for comfort over style, especially while at the ballgame. And if the weather will be warm and hot, you don’t want to feel sweaty and uncomfortable throughout the duration of the game.
Similarly, with Tropicana Field being a closed, indoor stadium, wearing joggers or athletic pants will help to keep your warmer on days when the stadium is especially cold.
By far our favorite joggers are from Vuori.
A bit more expensive than other options, these joggers are insanely comfortable. In fact, you’ll feel like you’re wearing nothing at all with them on. Vuori makes great joggers for both men and women and with a plethora of color options, you’ll be able to find the perfect ones to fit with your Rays gear.
Sunglasses
Lastly, if you are planning on attending a Tampa Bay Rays game set for the middle of the day, it may be worthwhile to bring along a pair of sunglasses.
Again, although Tropicana Field is indoors, you will need to walk through the parking lot to get to the stadium and the beating sun overhead is particularly strong in Florida.
Sunglasses should be able to help you avoid squinting and causing strain to your eyes. And while you could opt for a pair of smart glasses, you really don’t have to and a simple pair should suffice for the day.
And while there are plenty of sunglass options, we like to keep it simple and classy. A pair of aviators always gets the job done and looks stylish in the process.