On Nov. 22, 1986, a groundbreaking ceremony was held to build what is now called Tropicana Field. Four-years later at an estimated cost of $309 million the Florida Suncoast Dome opened on March 3, 1990 and became the future home of the Tampa Bay Lightning as the Thunderdome, The now defunct Tampa Bay Storm and the Tampa Bay Rays as Tropicana Field.
The grand opening was celebrated with a laser light show and a concert by Kenny Rogers.