Tampa Bay Rays

In 2022, Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, home of Major League Baseball’s Tampa Bay Rays, underwent a major technology upgrade aimed at enhancing the fan experience and improving their control room operations. With outdated displays that were in desperate need of replacement, the Rays partnered with LED screen experts digiLED.

The project included the installation of over 5,700 square feet of high-brightness LED displays throughout the stadium. The centerpiece of the upgrade was the addition of three enormous 10mm VISION A LED screens, offering the 42,735 crowd vivid, up close views of the action on the field. 

An additional three screens were installed across the venue using both digiLED’s VISION A and ultra fine pitch digiTHIN HD technology.
Even though the screens are housed entirely within the stadium, digiLED’s VISION A product was chosen for the main displays due to its high brightness and IP65 rating, making it ideal for the high humidity levels that can accumulate when the stadium is closed between games.
These screens made their debut at the season opener on March 30th 2023 against the Detroit Tigers, a game that not only showcased the new system but also kicked off the Rays’ 13 game winning streak, their best start to a season since 1884. The vibrant displays immediately caught the attention of fans, media and league officials, setting a new standard for in-stadium visuals.

In parallel with the main stadium upgrades, the Rays control room received a significant upgrade. Replacing a wall of LCD monitors, two ultra-slim 1.3mm digiTHIN HD screens were installed with unique resolutions of 3456 x 1296 and 1152 x 648. These screens were carefully selected not only for their image quality and viewing flexibility but also for their low heat generation, which is critical for the confined space where operators work in close proximity. The modular design has proven practical, requiring virtually no maintenance to date and offering effortless module removal and replacement.

The whole installation was completed within a tight three month window ahead of the 2023 baseball season, despite external challenges such as hurricane related disruptions and an accelerated home game schedule. Thanks to seamless coordination between the Rays’ team and digiLED, the project met all its deadlines and performance targets.

Fans have noticed the difference too. The upgraded screens deliver brighter, more vibrant visuals that have impressed visitors, fans, and corporate sponsors alike. The clarity of sponsored content and game footage has led to positive feedback and increased demand for more digital signage within the stadium.

RESPONSIVE DESIGN

“We are thrilled to have partnered with The Rays on this project and we look forward to continuing to work with them in the future. We are confident that our LED displays will leave a lasting impression on their fans for years to come,” said Joe Lapchick, Director Business Development – digiLED. Both parties are looking forward to building on this success, particularly as the Rays prepare for a future move to a new stadium expected to open in 2028. This project not only transformed the game-day experience at Tropicana Field but also showcased how strong collaboration and cutting-edge technology can redefine venue operations for sports franchises.