The Tampa Bay Rays have officially endorsed a plan to repair Tropicana Field following damage caused by Hurricane Milton. The cost to repair the stadium, which under the agreement must be ready for the 2026 season, will be at least $56 million.

Tropicana Field after Hurricane Milton

Hurricane Milton, which hit the Florida coast on October 9, destroyed the fabric roof of Tropicana Field, causing severe damage to the Tampa Bay Rays stadium. The roof was torn to shreds and the interior of the stadium was flooded. After emergency precautions to prevent further damage, a decision had to be made to fully renovate the facility.

According to the agreement between the city of St Petersburg and the team, it is the city that is obliged to fund the repairs. The costs, estimated at a minimum of $56 million, are to be partly covered by insurance and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds. However, despite promises of support, not all funds have yet been approved.

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Tampa Bay Rays' changing position

Initially, Rays management was considering a settlement that would allow the city to buy itself out of the obligation to repair the stadium. However, in an email dated December 30, Rays president Matt Silverman indicated that the team was in favour of rebuilding Tropicana Field under the terms of the use agreement.

While we had been open to considering a scenario in which the city bought out of its obligation to rebuild the ballpark, the Rays support and expect the city to rebuild Tropicana Field in accordance with the terms of the current use agreement Silverman wrote.

Timing and logistical challenges

Timing plays a key role in the completion of this project. Silverman stressed that the renovations must begin as soon as possible, in order to have the stadium ready for opening day of the 2026 season. According to the city's timeline, a permit to repair the roof and install a new turf must be approved by March 2025 in order to complete this by February 2026. We look forward to a grand reopening - Silverman said.

The logistical challenges are immense, especially as Tropicana Field is to be demolished after the 2028 season to make room for the new stadium. The project, called the Historic Gas Plant District, is expected to cost $1.3 billion and include a new stadium, construction of housing, commercial space and an African American history museum.

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Political and financial tensions

Not all members of the St Petersburg City Council agree with the need for such expenditure. After two devastating hurricanes - Milton and Helene - the city is still rebuilding its infrastructure. Some councillors believe the money could be better spent on other needs of residents.

Despite the opposition, Mayor Ken Welch has assured that most of the costs will be covered by federal funds. He added that the city is determined to meet its obligations to Major League Baseball and the Rays team.