ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Tropicana Field is still a "viable candidate" for the Tampa Bay Rays to take the field during the 2026 MLB season despite damage from recent hurricanes. It'll just cost at least $55.7 million to make it playable.
That sum is based on a report commissioned by St. Petersburg leaders and released Tuesday. The more than 400-page report details all the damage the Trop sustained due to Hurricane Milton.
According to assessors who examined the Trop from Oct. 21 through Nov. 8, the stadium "appears structurally sound" and can continue to "serve the City (should they so decide)" after repairs are made.
“The primary structure is serviceable and capable of supporting a replacement tension membrane fabric roof,” the report by Hennessy Construction Services said.
Assessors recommended the city move forward with temporary roof protection and building temperature control to mitigate any further potential damage to the stadium because installation of a new roof would still be months away.
A timeline draft in the report shows the earliest the repairs could be completed would be in time for Opening Day in 2026. That still leaves the Rays with the decision on where to play for the 2025 season, although there are several options.
The sun was already setting for Tropicana Field when Hurricane Milton ripped the special fiberglass roof off the stadium. Eighteen of the ballpark's 24 fabric panels failed when Milton roared ashore on 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.
Just a few months ago, St. Pete and Pinellas County leaders agreed to a new $1.3 billion ballpark in an adjacent location that would open in the 2028 season, part of a much larger downtown revitalization project.
The question remains if city leaders will agree to make the multi-million-dollar repairs to a stadium that only has, at most, three major league seasons left in its tenure. And, considering the Trop wouldn't be ready for the Rays to play in 2025, there are only two seasons for actual play.
“We have so much need across the city,” council member Brandi Gabbard said 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 city does have an insurance claim for the damage and repairs, but it includes a $22 million deductible and probably would only cover part of the overall costs. That means taxpayer dollars would have to be used.
The St. Petersburg City Council will discuss the report at its Nov. 21 meeting.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.