Now we call it Tropicana Field. But back then there was so much excitement about the future of St. Pete’s new domed stadium “The Florida Suncoast Dome.” There were no Tampa Bay Devil Rays yet. And believe it or not, there were some who didn’t want to put a roof on it!
Check out this video footage of reporters in awe of what we now know as The Trop. With all the talk about development plans in St. Pete for the area, it’s interesting to rewind and remember back when the “Florida Suncoast Dome” was an “architectural marvel” designed to host concerts, various sporting events and “fingers crossed maybe even a baseball team.” The locker rooms hadn’t even been finished yet, but check out this footage as reporters gasp at the size and beauty of an unfinished stadium. Kenny Rogers performed at its grand opening on March 3, 1990. And look at those familiar faces we still see on the news here in Tampa from 30 years ago!