Assessments regarding the repairs needed for Tropicana Field have come to light following the impacts of Hurricane Milton. An evaluation report shared with St. Petersburg City Council members indicates that the repairs could be completed in time for the commencement of the 2026 MLB season, with estimated costs reaching $55.7 million. Hurricane Milton, a Category 3 storm, made landfall along Florida's Gulf Coast on October 9, boasting wind speeds of approximately 120 mph.
Initially, there were plans for Tropicana Field to serve as a base camp for debris cleanup operations and to provide temporary housing for first responders. However, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis later expressed concerns about the stadium's roof, which is rated for winds up to 110 mph. He highlighted that as the forecast evolved and the threat of severe weather became more apparent, the decision was made to relocate operations away from the stadium to ensure safety. Images and videos post-hurricane illustrated significant damage, with the fabric covering from the roof apparently torn away, though the underlying metal frame seemed largely intact.
The report compiled by Marc Topkin and Colleen Wright does not encompass all repair items, but it denotes the roof as the most expensive aspect, with projected costs of $23.6 million. A notable consideration arises regarding the willingness of the city of St. Petersburg to allocate such a sum for repairs, especially given that the Tampa Bay Rays will only be utilizing Tropicana Field for two more seasons before a new ballpark is slated for completion by the start of the 2028 season. Additional inquiries also remain about the Rays' playing venue for the 2025 season. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has expressed a desire for a resolution by Christmas, with options potentially including a spring training complex or a minor league park. The Rays currently conduct their spring training at Charlotte Sports Park, which can accommodate around 7,500 spectators. With various baseball stadiums available throughout Florida, particularly since fifteen MLB teams conduct spring training in the state, the Rays have numerous alternatives. Of note, Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, home to the New York Yankees, offers the largest capacity at over 11,000 seats. The Rays are scheduled to face the Colorado Rockies in their first home game of the 2025 regular season on March 27.
