ALONE IN THE UPPER DECK?! Bizarre experience at Tropicana Field

What's it like being the ONLY FAN in the upper deck during a Major League Baseball game? Very very VERY cool, not to mention weird, exciting, incredible, and surreal. Huge thanks to the Tampa Bay Rays for hooking me up with special access. It was great to get inside the stadium early and soak in that special pre-game vibe.
Unfortunately the Rays didn't take batting practice, but the Kansas City Royals did, and they were crushing baseballs all over the place, so there was tons of action. I also got into the Rays Club with unlimited/free/all-inclusive food.
By the way, the foul, ball that I got was hit by Ji-Man Choi off Max Castillo with one out in the bottom of the 4th inning . . . on the first pitch of the at-bat (just in case you're obsessed with details). I didn't retrieve that baseball until the top of the 7th, and as fun as it was, the highlight for me was catching a Christian Bethancourt homer one inning later. Here's the highlight on MLB.com:
www.mlb.com/rays/video/christ...
Here's the page on my website that lists every home run that I've EVER gotten during MLB games:
www.zackhample.com/game-home-...
People love to diss Tropicana Field but I see it as a unique venue with some interesting quirks, and I'm always happy to be here.
This video was filmed on August 18, 2022 by "Fenway Chris" (@yonnernyc) and it was edited by Zack Hample (@zack_hample). Oh hey, that's ME! Thanks for watching.

[@davidchodds]

What a feeling! To selflessly give away a ball to a kid. Then the entire section celebrates you and loves you. And you just happen to catch a perfectly timed homerun ball and the entire section and possibly the whole stadium is loving on you. Could not have scripted it better.

[@willhanken6792]

Such an awesome moment! Those fans were ecstatic for him👏🏻

[@prestonkozlof9069]

@@um8440 your mom

[@isaiahtate8601]

@@um8440 people who have a bigger mental capacity then you.

[@SheepofChrist818]

@@um8440I do

[@CoxContent]

The only thing more iconic than Zack catching homeruns, is Zack loading up the desert plate on the free food venture lol. My man never disappoints on the spread!

[@zackhample]

:D

[@skrrtfranklin]

Dude eats in one setting more than : ( insert your answers here ) 😂

[@prestonkozlof9069]

@@skrrtfranklin my mom

[@skrrtfranklin]

The fact you catch those Home runs is just mind boggling and a joy to watch !

[@ChrisTrinhnumber1]

Love everything about this amazing game and indoor ballpark Zack! Keep on doing everything!

[@zackhample]

Thanks! The dome was clutch on this hot-n-humid day.

[@adampierce4157]

Congratulations on getting that home run ball Mr Zack and I share your videos every time

[@TheDucatiPilot]

I love watching games at the Trop. Good team and great A/C!

[@tyjadah3169]

Just saw "Zack Hample vs the World" and it gave me a new appreciation for you and what you do. Mad respect. Watch the movie everyone. Keep it up, Zack.

[@zackhample]

So glad to hear that!

[@mlballhawks]

TREMENDOUS! Hats off to the Tampa Bay Rays for the red carpet treatment!🏆 Great catch Z! 🥂And great work Fenway Chris! 🎥Those zoom-out rack focus shots in BP are flawless! And capturing the HR catch?!🤯GREAT WORK & THANK YOU!🤩

[@zackhample]

Thank yoooooou! Chris and I were both on our game at this one. And hats off indeed to the Rays.

[@NYY212]

Thank you!!!

[@aaronbell9094]

Sounds like Chris needed a beer even before getting in the stadium.

[@donbean]

Big man don't like the heat... Fenway Chris is cool (and thirsty) haha

[@NYY212]

I used to live in Florida. Played golf all the time in the heat. But why do it outside if we can do it inside?

[@inreach38]

I enjoying your video so much Thank you for sharing a part of your journey 🙏

[@Big_Z17]

The Trop is most certainly not the prettiest stadium but for some reason it is one of the most enjoyable experiences every time I go. Maybe it’s less crowds, I’m not sure but the atmosphere is so comfortable and fun. I’ve been to a lot of MLB stadiums and the Trop is always a unique experience

[@zackhample]

I agree!

[@CM4.]

Dude same. I absolutely love the stadium, the ac is great, the list goes on and on. I don’t know why everyone gives the trop the hate.

[@buckyb9419]

part of why i love Zack’s videos is seeing him walk through the gates… it always interests me how different stadiums are set up on the outside and in the concourse areas.

[@zackhample]

Thanks! Glad you enjoy seeing that.

[@TheRealBobbyFebruary]

What a catch 🎯! That got me pumped 😁!

[@chrisgarcia889]

Amazing always love watching you when I get home from school

[@zackhample]

:)

[@MIZZOUscm]

Thanks for going to a lot of royals games this year I love the royals and love to watch you so I love watching these thank you

[@sjgoode6590]

Zack you and Chris are so funny! Hey Rockies staff, looks like you need The Rays staff to come out and show you how to treat fans! Be safe out there.

[@EarthToBryce]

Let’s go finally your back at Tropicana field, Go Rays .

[@Frosteve]

Love seing Chris taking good upclose shots of Zack in the top deck

[@zackhample]

He's the man.

[@NYY212]

Thank you!

[@justingriebe8548]

That was one of your funny videos. Loved it.

[@cristoferrubina8625]

I remember my vacation in Florida in 2018, one of the things that occurred to me to do, along with going to Clearwater Beach, was to go see a Rays game, and it was a wonderful experience, seeing the whole family at the stadium. , from small babies to older people, everyone enjoying themselves, and I left the place with a feeling of friendly people who know how to enjoy themselves as a family, it was my best unplanned activity of that entire trip, greetings from Chile

[@zman1285_]

I've never been to an indoor ballpark but you made it look like a blast. Thanks Zack and Chris for another great video! Also great catch Zack! I'm telling you that you will reach 100 next year!

[@zackhample]

Thank YOU! And I hope you make it to a dome sometime soon.

[@CrazyDallas9]

@@zackhample I ❤️ your videos!

[@ftgundead3132]

Love the energy you bring to every video :) kinda sad how The Tampa bay organization is showing up the Rockies 😂 Hopefully I’ll see you at comerica park next year, hope the rest of your season goes well zack 😊

[@zackhample]

Thanks. The folks at the Trop are truly awesome.

[@3rdPlaya0709]

This videos is a major win for the rays fan experience and you come out on top after that nypost article we all read.

[@zackhample]

Major indeed.

[@NYY212]

Hahaha….I love reading the comments about me being a “diva” for the rehearsed parking lot bit to open the video! You guys are the best! 👏👏👊 (and right!)

[@nickhall823]

Why sweat ya Yam bags off when you got a whole stadium to yourself with blasting AC!

[@brinagonzalez9104]

You guys are starting to sound like an “old married couple” and the back and forth is hysterical, perfect for an afternoon with not much baseball going on. Could do without Amir Garrett though but cool that he was cool to you.

[@zackhample]

Haha, thanks. Chris is . . . one of a kind.

[@oilersrule9729]

Hi Mr. Hample. Just wanted to say that I love both your passion for baseball and your content, especially when you make kids days by giving them the baseballs that you catch. Sorry for all the hate you've been getting recently, in my opinion you're a very kind person who doesn't deserve any of that. Keep up the good work, and as a big Jays fan, I hope you do another video at the Rogers Centre soon:)

[@zackhample]

Thanks! That means a lot.

[@oilersrule9729]

@@zackhample Of course, and thanks for everything that you do:) It was awesome seeing you catch Zack Collins’ home run ball at Kauffman Stadium live on TV. Keep up the good work👍🏻

[@ericwicker7514]

Hey, Zach you are a cool dude. I don't know why people don't like you. Your a good man. Giving the baseballs to the kids. That's awesome.

[@PLloyd57]

Love the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame TShirt from a Clevelander. 👍👍

[@michaeldunn1587]

Another great video zack! I love it!

[@zackhample]

Thanks for watching.

[@nyy190343]

That's a helluva job illustrating a great fan experience in spite of the stadium's awfulness

[@NevadaLamb]

Yet another great video! It’s always a good day when you upload! 😊

[@BoskeU]

Great video as always!

[@zackhample]

:)

[@natalijaparadiso7566]

Hey Zack hampel keep it up love it ⚾️⚾️⚾️👍😎😎😎👍👍

[@aidenjostes8747]

Really love your content keep up the great work

[@zackhample]

Thanks!

[@dylanbostrom49]

Loved the vid!

[@TheBourbonWrench]

I love how you go from *you cant try and catch homerun balls here son* to *yeah sure go up to the upperdeck, have fun sir* just shows you the different atmospheres in these stadiums. The Rays probably also watched that other video and said "yeah let this dude have a great experience here" lol. Cheers man.

[@zackhample]

Ha, right?! Huge difference indeed. Hopefully I can make peace with the Rockies because it'd be nice to showcase the wonders of THAT stadium someday.

[@TheBourbonWrench]

@@zackhample you dont have to make peace with anyone. They are the ones who need to realize they are too strict on fans. Not to hate on them, but their supervisors need to let them know to tone it down. Theres a balance that must be met, especially with half of us drunk in the stands. But you don't have to be a drill sergeant. Hopefully it'll work out, I've always wanted to go visit their stadium. Hope to see you show more of these positive encounters with staff and stadiums. Show stadiums that set the standard and let the others fall behind.

[@LightningDes]

@@zackhample Overhyped stadium, boycott forever.

[@chieflongsock]

Well done zack! Another great video

[@zackhample]

Thanks, Chief!

[@tripgreat]

You and Fenway Chris are the David Spade and Chris Farley, the Abbott and Costello, the Laurel and Hardy of baseball. I love it when you guys do these together!

[@zackhample]

:)

[@NYY212]

Thanks!

[@kickthesky]

Sorry to see all the flack you have been getting over the Denver videos. I am 100% behind you, my man, even though it was one of the pitchers from my team that was one of the loudest critics. Stay strong. Keep bringing us this great content! You are the best.

[@zackhample]

Thanks and that's a shame about the pitcher on your team. Tell him that Zack Hample says hi, haha.

[@lightningfan]

I watched this live and I just scream “JACK HAMPLE CAUGHT THE BALL” and I had to explain to my parents who Zach Hample was lol

[@jonathanlovo7391]

I like the video Zack very much glad you had a great time

[@zackhample]

Thank you. :)

[@bucky314]

Love you videos Zack ⚾️

[@zackhample]

Thanks for watching.

[@michaelguardalabene3495]

Amazing video 👍 good job

[@Miot2211]

I have been watching since 2016 and you sre my favorite baseball youtuber

[@dogcowrph]

If you haven’t already visited, PNC in Pittsburgh is a beautiful ballpark. It’s hard to imagine that it’s 22 years old. No new building (maybe San Francisco) has done better. I lived on the Fenway in Boston for a decade. That’s my favorite place but it doesn’t have to comfort or amenities as the two I mentioned. I love watching your videos. Keep up the good work.

[@blakef6475]

Great vid zack keep up the great work!!

[@zackhample]

Thanks, will do.

[@RngPerks]

@@zackhample 🤡

[@blakef6475]

@@RngPerks stop with the negativity

[@bradgauci8573]

Love these videos, keep them coming! Not sure what bug is up Stroman's a*s this week but you give most of the balls away to kids, you're happy to sign autographs and take photos, and are respectful to staff (even when they are enforcing silly rules). Can't think of a better way to carry oneself at the ball park.

[@itsnotme07]

Unique venue, what a nice way to say warehouse. LOL Best thing about the Trop? Leaving. Haha. Ok that's not right....staff there are great and it's nice to have AC to watch baseball in Florida.

[@marblox9300]

Pretty amazing how a Zack Hample just says - "Do you know who I am" and he gets clearance. That being said - not only did the upper deck look deserted - but the whole park looked quite empty.

[@hackercop188]

Love to see the Trop i told you the people there are chill

[@phelpstheman]

14:20, great work Chris! Keep it up

[@NYY212]

🔥

[@SuperStrik9]

Kinda reminds me of the time me, a buddy of mine and my dad were the only people in the theater to watch the movie Diggstown back in the day. It felt like our own private theater. Fun experience.

[@linahockey0019]

Love the content man keep it up 👍🏼👍🏼

[@ericschuster2231]

I love Tropicana Field. I really hope the Rays continue to play there for a long time!

[@HarrisonSawyerr]

HEY! That’s me at 2:27 with the glasses! It was awesome meeting ya, even though I only briefly said hi to you lol.

[@dillonmartin5805]

How do u get a job at Tropicana ?

[@HarrisonSawyerr]

@@dillonmartin5805 I applied when they were hiring for fan hosts. I got a video about it. Also work for the Bucs and lightning

[@Limitless269]

W Harrison

[@apolonio0907]

Zack, I just watched your movie and it was great!

[@HenryThompson5459]

I remember that joke from the video in Cuba but it is over and glad to see that in Tampa and Great a Home Run catch that was awesome and I also do subscribe

[@zackhample]

YASSSSSSSSSSSSS

[@Steggo18]

Wow Zack, you are getting famous all of a sudden on social media. These “haters” think what you do is wrong and bad for baseball but the reality is, you make baseball fun. You have a love for the game, you are so friendly to the kids, you give baseballs away so that everyone can be happy. Don’t let those “haters” get to you Zack. You keep continuing what you love to do for baseball

[@zackhample]

Thanks, Sam. I'll keep doing my thing, and ultimately I feel bad for the haters for being dumb and getting duped by misinformation.

[@NYY212]

People that matter in baseball feel Zack is great for the game and those are the only opinions we care about. (and the fans)

[@Steggo18]

@@NYY212 Absolutely

[@MrMosby-hy3te]

Would love to see a compilation at the end of the season of your best experiences at each park

[@zackhample]

Hmm, well I normally put together a highlight reel every season. Stay tuned.

[@MrMosby-hy3te]

@@zackhample sounds great.

[@jaywenzel3528]

Too bad the haters miss out on fun vids like this, keep it up Zach

[@garrettbroad4078]

Glad you got a good experience at the Tropicana field after seeing your last videos i met you the second night I was the security guard on the left field foul pole in 162 landing

[@zackhample]

Yo!!! Thanks very much.

[@kittyharris9178]

You’re good at making a kids day Zach

[@thegreatcharcoal4668]

Hey zack! I saw u at this game and said hi when u were in the restaurant in cf, I worked the 50/50 raffle loved seeing u man

[@xyzmerica8798]

missed the sign of the building, someone complaining bout the heat😅 peace n love thank you guys like always great camera work patient Chris Nice

[@SonarTravels]

Hey Colorado, see the difference in Florida? This is how you support a fan who lifts up the sport for everyone. Do better. Way to go Tampa Bay Rays. You rocked this. Zack well done man, keep,it up.

[@SleepyZay12]

My brother and his friends were actually the guys who got the Michael Massey ball, they said they traded it in for a Bobby Witt Jr signed ball and one of Massey's bats! Also love that you enjoy the Trop it gets a bad rep but its my home field and holds a special place in my heart!

[@zackhample]

Wow, nice!

[@victorhanley623]

awesome video sir keep up the great work

[@zackhample]

Thanks!

[@josephprather1614]

What a big difference in hospitality compared to Colorado. Hats off to the Rays staff.

[@the_claydog02]

20:05 as a Brewer fan, we used to have a home run horn just like that, we need that back!

[@danieljenkins1758]

Keep enjoying what you’re doing Zack and don’t let anyone take you down

[@Cooperc03]

Hey Zack! I was wondering if the rule from last year at the trop where you can’t go in the first row for bp unless you had a ticket there was still in effect. Thanks

[@skrrtfranklin]

At the beginning during batting practice That kids a gawt dam beast with them fast eddy hands sheesh ! My dude was putting in work ! Golden glove of the day !! That should be a new segment , where you find a golden glove of the day and do something cool for them or with them 👍🏻🤷🏻‍♂️😆😋👋🏻⚾️😝

[@zackhample]

Fun idea.

[@skrrtfranklin]

@@zackhample 😎👍🏻

[@Jovakin]

That’s really cool that you’ve gone to almost al the baseball parks in America have you ever done a list from favorite to least

[@mikeyboss2633]

You’re my favorite KZbinr!!

[@zackhample]

You have good taste!

[@brycefrankhouser4790]

Love your videos

[@zackhample]

Thanks for watching.

[@birdman5223]

Colorado Rockies take note😵‍💫. Good stuff MrZack😉

[@zackhample]

Thanks!

[@birdman5223]

Did U say hi to Cowbell Max❓

[@chrisferg1981]

I don't care what the haters have to say about you Zack, you make baseball fun ;-)

[@littlenyces]

I aggre make baseball fun :)

[@letswintwins]

That’s crazy how you were the ONLY one, rays are a good team with no money and no fans. Also loved when you caught that ball!!!

[@350firebird92]

So awesome love it

[@brendanstack5423]

Another Home run ball caught. That's always sweet to see.

[@zackhample]

Thanks!

[@sportslife5129]

I was there for the Orioles series when Baltimore was the home team due to the riots in Baltimore. And for a different reason for me, it felt like I had the place to myself. When I had my ticket punched, I asked what section I was (because it wasn't printed on the ticket). They told me to sit wherever I wanted. So I sat next to the cowbell woman next to the left field foul pole. Loved the experience.

[@zackhample]

How fun!

[@lukazszudarski2527]

I went to Tropicana Field last season when they played the Nationals. I bought nosebleeds tickets and were one of the few people up there. Game was still a blast Rays won.

[@JOMO_EDC]

Much better experience than Colorado. 👏👏👏👏 to the Ray’s organization! That kid made a few great catches! He might be coming for the record 😂

[@zackhample]

That kid was gooooood!

[@billsdigest]

That’s me. hahah I’m rewatching this video because I’m bored lol, I’m going on a big road trip to Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Detroit, and Toronto.

[@billsdigest]

@@zackhample will you be in Cleveland on Wednesday?

[@drewm7613]

Wow Zack you are so lucky to get the top deck to yourself

[@TheCreator_17]

Can we please get this man to 1 million Subscribers!

[@megwoodall9858]

hey my name is waylon the person that you saw at the bananas game i love youre videos

[@evan_kumar]

Hey I was there for Christmas lights party thing back in December 29, 2019!!!!

[@nky88nscfl]

Everyone knocks the dome until they stand outside haha

[@michaelsharp3615]

At least you are seeing my MLB team four times this season, twice in Kansas City (Twins and Blue Jays) and once in Chicago and now Tampa Bay

[@Elephant2024-wi2li]

It may not be nicest, prettiest stadium in all of MLB. But the Trop is a very enjoyable ballpark experience. And the Rays always put a good, entertaining team on the field.

[@iraschwartz4837]

Hey Zack let's those haters hate. You enjoy what you do. Keep having fun getting those balls.

[@drudd0952]

Chris giving off big dad vibes in this one hahahaha love to see it

[@NYY212]

If only I were a dad. But you’re right.

[@drudd0952]

@@NYY212 maybe when grown men hit a certain age the grumpy just takes over 😂. I can’t say I blame you for wanting that a/c though.

[@NYY212]

@@drudd0952 Nah, I was cranky at 15 too! Lol

[@triptych2003]

Such a different experience to the Rockies. Great to see a more relaxed, open organisation.

[@timwalsh619]

@@kevinhill4623 shut up Kevin no one asked for your opinion you loser idiot.

[@jonvia]

Hope you brought some "smokables" lol no better place to smoke out when you got the whole dang upper deck to yourself!

[@colehetzel3093]

Awesome, I bet it was so cool being up there alone!

[@zackhample]

SOOOOOO COOL.

[@marblox9300]

Those few people who show up to Rays Games I think are just there to bask in the Air-Conditioning.

[@Ry-mt4vt]

Fenway Chris is such a character lol he awesome!!!

[@NYY212]

Thanks!

[@jackwhite7337]

keep doing what ur doing man keep it up and ignore the haters

[@jorgerodriguez85]

Sorry Chris, but you sound like my wife. You whine about the condition until you get your way, yet the time you spent arguing, you could've finished the intro outside. I got you Zack !😂

[@zackhample]

Haha, wow.

[@jorgerodriguez85]

@@zackhample Even though you said he was patient at the end.🤣

[@gamerlazar8]

Man

[@D1Juice1011]

Haha, wow.

[@TheDetroitLFC]

How dare you attack our Lord, Fenway Chris!

[@theo3579]

Hey I'm the guy after he caught the home run taking a picture of someone and Zack. Red jersey and big nose 👃. Don't forget Zack... I jumped in the snow for you 😅