Plant Field

Long before Tampa had the modern stadiums and arenas that it has today it had Plant Field. This was Tampa's first athletic facility. Built by Henry B. Plant in 1899 as a recreation area for guests of his luxurious Tampa Bay Hotel, the field hosted horse racing, car racing, football and baseball games and even political rallies.

Plant Field became a spring training facility in 1913 when the Chicago Cubs came to town. It was also used by the Red Sox and Senators in the 1920's and the Tigers in the 1930's

The Cincinnati Reds also trained there from the 1930's to the 1950's. 

On an April afternoon in 1919 a fellow who would go on to hit a record number of home runs hit the longest one of his career that day at Plant Field

The homer hit by Babe Ruth measured 587 feet

A plaque still stands today 

As a boy I remember going to the sprint car races with my father at Plant Field

Red Grange and the Chicago Bears played an exhibition game in 1925

The field hosted the Florida State Fair for many years

Plant Field became obsolete as newer venues were built. First Phillips Field went up across the street. The new Al Lopez Field became spring training's home and Tampa Stadium was built in the late 1960's

Plant Field is now called Pepin Rood Stadium and is part of the University of Tampa's athletic facilities. But a long time ago it was the gem of Tampa's sports scene

Plant Field...a part of Tampa's past...and present