Rays secure Tropicana Field repairs for start of 2026 season

Rays secure Tropicana Field repairs for start of 2026 season

In St. Petersburg, Florida, after initial uncertainty, the situation regarding the repair of Tropicana Field, which was significantly damaged by the hurricane, has become clear. The Tampa Bay Rays now support one City plan worth $55.7 million, which should be implemented in time for the start of the 2026 season. In the meantime, the team is preparing to play at the New York Yankees' training facility in Tampa this year.

Clear statements from the Rays management

Rays co-president Matt Silverman made it clear in an email to St. Petersburg's chief administrator that the team would like to resolve any questions about its support for the rebuilding effort. According to the existing contract, the city is responsible for financing the work.

New construction plans for Tropicana Field

“Although we were willing to consider a scenario in which the city exits its obligation to rebuild the stadium, the Rays support the reconstruction of Tropicana Field under the terms of the current use agreement,” Silverman wrote.

Damage from Hurricane Milton

Hurricane Milton caused significant damage to the roof of Tropicana Field on October 9th, causing waves of water and other damage to the interior of the now exposed stadium. While measures have already been taken to prevent further damage from weather, there have been concerns about the full repair process, as current plans call for the stadium to be demolished anyway to make way for a new $1.3 billion stadium. Those plans include keeping the Rays in St. Petersburg for another 30 years.

Urgency of reconstruction

“Time is of the essence,” Silverman emphasized in his Dec. 30 email to the city, which was released Monday. Even partial use of Tropicana Field during the 2026 season “would create massive logistical and revenue challenges for the team,” he wrote.

Collaboration between the city and Rays

In a statement Monday, the city of St. Petersburg said it is "understanding of the disruption to the Rays' business caused by the hurricane" and welcomes the team's return to Tropicana Field. “We look forward to continuing to work with the Rays – through participation in a collaborative working group – and the City Council to bring Major League Baseball games back to St. Petersburg,” the city said.

Planned repair proposal and city response

The city's architect initially presented the repair proposal on December 12, but it has not yet been fully approved. Members of the City Council have shown reluctance, particularly due to costs, as residents and businesses continue to reel from the effects of Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene are affected.

Financing reconstruction

Mayor Ken Welch has said insurance and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding should cover the majority of the costs. Silverman also stated that Major League Baseball has informed the team that it will hire its own consultant to oversee the repair work and schedule.

New stadium project in St. Petersburg

The Rays' planned new stadium downtown is part of one $6.5 billion project, which includes affordable housing, an African American history museum, retail and office space, and restaurants and bars, among other amenities. The project is called the Historic Gas Plant District, which was once a thriving African-American community that was displaced by the construction of the stadium and a highway.

Rays future games and commitments

The Rays are preparing to play their home games in 2025 at Steinbrenner Field, the Yankees' 11,000-seat training facility in Tampa. Once Tropicana Field is repaired, Silverman and the Rays acknowledge that under their contract with St. Petersburg they must play there for three more seasons. “We’re looking forward to a grand reopening,” Silverman said.