In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, which inflicted significant damage to Tropicana Field, the Tampa Bay Rays face the likelihood of being displaced from their home stadium as they approach the commencement of the 2025 Major League Baseball season. According to reports from Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, it appears increasingly improbable that the Rays will be able to begin the season at home on March 27, 2025, as initially planned.
Topkin highlights that the organization is currently grappling with numerous uncertainties regarding their future, including potential temporary playing locations, the duration of their displacement, and additional repairs required beyond the installation of a new custom roof. While the Rays have plans to inaugurate a new stadium adjacent to Tropicana Field by 2028, the devastation wrought by recent extreme weather events was beyond any prior preparations.
Due to safety concerns arising from the storm, access to Tropicana Field has been severely restricted. In addition to the damage to the roof, it is anticipated that various other sections of the stadium may also have sustained impact that calls into question the overall structural integrity. Team leadership recently communicated to staff that there are 'more questions than answers,' indicating uncertainty surrounding the situation. Another update for employees is anticipated shortly. The team may need to find a temporary venue for a span ranging from a few months to an entire season, or even up to three years until their new stadium is completed. With potentially up to 50 locations being considered, minor league and spring training facilities in Florida, as well as the Rays' Triple-A affiliate in Durham, North Carolina, are among the possibilities. Meanwhile, the city of St. Petersburg will take charge of addressing the repairs, utilizing insurance to assist with the costs. City administrator Rob Gerdes noted that while the process of recovery will be complex, property insurance will be the primary avenue explored to facilitate restorations.