Rays need new home for entire 2025 season as stadium needs $55M in repairs for hurricane damage
ST.PETERSBURG, Fla.
— A detailed assessment of the hurricane damage to Tropicana Field concludes that the home of the Tampa Bay Rays is structurally sound and can be repaired for about $55.7 million in time for the 2026 season.The 412-page report released Tuesday by the City of St.Petersburg, which owns the building, found that the basic structure of the domed stadium “does not appear to have been adversely affected” by Hurricane Milton’s winds, which shredded most of its fabric roof.“The primary structure is serviceable and capable of supporting a replacement tension membrane fabric roof,” said the report by Hennessy Construction Services.Eighteen of the ballpark’s 24 fabric panels failed when Milton roared ashore Oct.
9, the report found.There was also damage to interior parts of the Trop, as it’s known for short, from rainwater and other storm-related causes.
The ballpark opened in 1990 and has been the Rays’ home since their inception in 1998.Tropicana Field is already scheduled to be demolished when a new, $1.3 billion ballpark is finished in time for the 2028 season.With unforeseen costs to the city and Pinellas County from two hurricanes — vast amounts of debris removal, damage to parks and infrastructure — two of the main financial sources for the new ballpark could reconsider those plans or decide not to repair the Trop at all.The St.
Petersburg City Council will discuss the report at its Nov.21 meeting.“We have so much need across the city,” said council member Brandi Gabbard at a meeting last week.
“I love the Rays.I love Tropicana Field.
It’s not about not wanting to do this.It’s about a balance of priorities.”The council recently approved $6.5 million to clean up the ballpark and protect it from any further damage, including waterproofing areas such as the press box, seating areas and scoreboard.The city does have an insurance claim for the damage and repairs, but it includes a $22 million deductible and probably...