After facing uncertainty following the damage caused by Hurricane Milton, the Tampa Bay Rays have now expressed their support for a $55.7 million city plan to repair Tropicana Field in time for the 2026 season opener. The team is currently making arrangements to play their upcoming games at the New York Yankees' spring training home in Tampa.
The Rays' co-president, Matt Silverman, emphasized the team's commitment to the reconstruction efforts in an email to the St. Petersburg chief administrator. He clarified that the city is responsible for funding the repairs as per the existing contract with the Rays.
The damage inflicted by Hurricane Milton on Tropicana Field's fabric roof prompted concerns about the feasibility of the repairs, especially considering the stadium's eventual demolition to make way for a new $1.3 billion ballpark. Silverman stressed the urgency of commencing the reconstruction promptly to ensure the stadium is ready for the 2026 season.
The city of St. Petersburg expressed understanding for the challenges faced by the Rays due to the hurricane-induced disruptions and welcomed the team's decision to return to Tropicana Field. The city is collaborating with the Rays and the City Council to facilitate the return of Major League baseball games to St. Petersburg.
While the repair proposal for Tropicana Field was presented on December 12, it is yet to receive full approval, with some city council members expressing concerns about the costs involved. Mayor Ken Welch suggested that insurance and Federal Emergency Management Agency funds could cover a significant portion of the expenses.
Additionally, Major League Baseball has committed to overseeing the repair work and timeline through its appointed advisor. The Rays are obligated to play at Tropicana Field for three more seasons once the repairs are completed.
Looking ahead, the Rays are part of a larger redevelopment project known as the Historic Gas Plant District, which aims to revitalize the area with various amenities, including affordable housing, a Black history museum, and commercial spaces.
As the team prepares to play their 2025 home games at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, they anticipate a grand reopening of Tropicana Field once the repairs are finalized.
