A detailed report of damage to Tropicana Field from Hurricane Milton indicates that the structure of the Tampa Bay Rays’ home is safe and that the roof can be repaired for approximately US$55.7 million and ready in time for the 2026 season.
The 412-page document released Tuesday by the municipality of St. Petersburg, which owns the building, indicates that the structure of the baseball stadium with a dome “does not appear to have been seriously affected” by the winds of the hurricane, which still shredded its roof.
“The main structure is salvageable and capable of supporting a replacement tensioned membrane fabric roof,” reads the report from Hennessy Construction Services.
Eighteen of the 24 fabric panels were shredded by Milton’s gusts on October 9, the document states. Damage was also noted inside the ‘Trop’, due to rainwater and other factors arising from the powerful weather phenomenon. The stadium opened in 1990, and has served as the home of the Rays since their arrival in Major League Baseball in 1998.
Tropicana Field is already scheduled to be demolished in preparation for the construction of a new $1.3 billion stadium to be completed in time for the 2028 season.
Due to the unexpected costs that the City and County of Pinellas will have to cover following two hurricanes – it was necessary to clear large quantities of debris, in addition to repairing damage to parks and infrastructure in the area -, two of the main sources of financing for the new stadium could consider this plan, or even demolish the ‘Top’ altogether.
The St. Petersburg City Council is scheduled to discuss the report at a meeting scheduled for Nov. 21.
“There is so much to do in the city,” Councilwoman Brandi Gabbard said at a council meeting last week. I love the Rays. I love Tropicana Field. It has nothing to do with them. But we must take into account our priorities. »
The municipal council recently approved the payment of $6.5 million to clear the stadium and secure it, by insulating certain elements against the rain, including the press gallery, the boxes and the scoreboard.
The City has insurance for damage and repairs, but it includes a deductible amount of $22 million and risks partially covering the total costs associated with the passage of Hurricane Milton. This means that taxpayers’ money may be used to cover costs.
The Rays have still not reacted to the information revealed Tuesday. Since the stadium obviously cannot be used by the Rays before 2026, the Florida club will have to find a new home for next season.
The major leagues have already mentioned that they want the Rays to remain in their market, close to their fans, if possible. Several training complexes in the sector were considered. Among them are Clearwater (Philadelphia Phillies), Tampa (New York Yankees), Dunedin (Toronto Blue Jays), Sarasota (Baltimore Orioles), Lakeland (Detroit Tigers) and Port Charlotte, home of Rays’ own spring training complex. Most of these stadiums are occupied by minor league clubs during the summer season.
