The 2026 World Series shifts to Tropicana Field when the Tampa Bay Rays host the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 3 on Monday, Oct. 26, and it will bring one of baseball's most peculiar stadium quirks into the spotlight.

The catwalk system suspended beneath Tropicana Field's roof has already played a role during Tampa Bay's postseason run. During 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 remained in play, allowing the Rays to record an out.

That unusual scenario is one of several Tropicana Field ground rules that could affect the World Series and become a factor in determining a world champion. The Rays return home trailing 2-0 after dropping the first two games in Milwaukee, but Tampa Bay will host the next three games, giving baseball's only fixed-roof stadium a chance to become part of the World Series.

Here's a look at Tropicana Field's one-of-a-kind ground rules as it gets set to host the Rays and Brewers for three-straight games, including what happens when a batted ball strikes the catwalk system.

Tropicana Field ground rules

Catwalks

Tropicana Field has a catwalk system beneath its non-retractable roof and there are four circular steel rings to help stabilize the structure. They are considered part of the field of play over fair territory and there are specific ground rules in place for all MLB games at the stadium.

MLB ground rules for Tropicana Field state that 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 considered a home run in fair territory.

A batted ball that strikes either of the upper catwalks (known as the 'A-Ring' and the 'B-Ring'), or any support rods or masts attached to them, is considered in play if in fair territory. If the ball is caught by a fielder, 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, according to MLB.

Bullpen area

Tropicana Field features throwback bullpens that sit outside either foul line and could be 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 a "ball lodging on, under or in the bullpen seating area" is considered out of play. A ball is deemed to be lodged when it goes in or behind equipment or seating or, in the umpire's judgment, is deemed otherwise unplayable.

If a ball enters the bullpen seating area and rebounds out of the seating area, it is considered in play.