usatoday
When the 2026 World Series shifts to Tropicana Field for Game 3 on Monday, Oct. 26, the Tampa Bay Rays will host the Milwaukee Brewers, and baseball's most unusual stadium feature will be under the microscope. The catwalk system suspended beneath the stadium's fixed roof has already made an impact during Tampa Bay's postseason run.
In Game 2 of the American League Division Series against the New York Yankees, a high popup by Spencer Jones struck one of the catwalks in shallow right-center field and stayed in play, allowing the Rays to record an out. That bizarre moment is just one example of the Tropicana Field ground rules that could influence the World Series and ultimately decide a champion.
The Rays return home trailing 2-0 after losing the first two games in Milwaukee, but they will host the next three games, giving baseball's only fixed-roof stadium a chance to become a significant factor in the Fall Classic.
Here's a breakdown of Tropicana Field's unique ground rules as it prepares to host the Rays and Brewers for three consecutive games, including what happens when a batted ball hits the catwalk system.
Catwalks
Tropicana Field features a catwalk system beneath its non-retractable roof, with four circular steel rings that help stabilize the structure. These catwalks are considered part of the field of play over fair territory, and specific ground rules apply for all MLB games at the stadium.
According to MLB ground rules for Tropicana Field, a batted ball that strikes either of the lower two catwalks (known as the 'C-Ring' and the 'D-Ring'), or any lights, suspended objects, or support rods attached to the catwalks, is ruled a home run in fair territory. A batted ball that hits either of the upper catwalks (the 'A-Ring' and 'B-Ring'), or any support rods or masts attached to them, remains in play if in fair territory. If a fielder catches the ball, the batter is out and runners advance at their own risk.
A batted ball that is not judged by an umpire to be a home run and remains on a catwalk, light, or suspended object is considered a ground rule double. If a batted ball strikes a catwalk, light, or suspended object over foul territory, it is considered a dead ball, per MLB.
Bullpen area
Tropicana Field has throwback bullpens situated outside either foul line, which could become part of the field of play if a ball is batted down the line or if there's a wild throw to first or third base. MLB rules state that a "ball lodging on, under or in the bullpen seating area" is considered out of play. A ball is deemed lodged when it goes in or behind equipment or seating or, in the umpire's judgment, is otherwise unplayable. If a ball enters the bullpen seating area and rebounds out, it is considered in play.
Key Analysis
The catwalk rules add an element of unpredictability to the World Series, as balls that would be home runs or outs in other parks can yield different outcomes at Tropicana Field. With the Rays trailing 2-0, the home-field quirks could provide a slight advantage or introduce chaos in a critical Game 3.
Originally reported by usatoday.