Rays secure Tropicana Field repairs for the 2026 season start
Rays secure Tropicana Field repairs for the 2026 season start
in St. Petersburg, Florida, has clarified the situation with regard to the repair of Tropicana Field, which was significantly damaged by the hurricane. The Tampa Bay Rays now support a , which is to be implemented in time for the 2026 season. In the meantime, the team is preparing to play this year in the New York Yanke's training area in Tampa.
clear statements of the Rays leadership
Matt Silverman, Co-President of the Rays, made it clear in an email to the chief administrator of St. Petersburg that the team would like to clarify all questions about his support for the reconstruction work. According to the existing contract, the city is responsible for financing the work.
new building plans for Tropicana Field
"Although we were ready to consider a scenario in which the city is getting out of its obligation to recreate the stadium, the rays support the reconstruction of Tropicana Field in accordance with the conditions of the current usage contract," wrote Silverman.
damage by hurricane Milton
Hurrikan Milton had the roof of October 9th October Tropicana Field Field significantly damaged and caused waves of water and other damage in the inner area of the now exposed stadium. While measures have already been taken to prevent further damage caused by weather influences, there were concerns about the complete repair process, since according to the current plans the stadium is to be demolished anyway to create space for a new stadium worth $ 1.3 billion. These plans provide to keep the Rays in St. Petersburg for another 30 years.
urgency of reconstruction
"Time is pushed", Silverman emphasized in his email to the city on December 30th, which was published on Monday. Even a partial use of the Tropicana Fields during the 2026 season "would bring massive logistical and revenue problems for the team," he continued.
collaboration between city and rays
In a statement on Monday, the city of St. Petersburg expressed that it is "understanding the interruptions for the rays' business" and welcomes the return of the team to Tropicana Field. "We look forward to continuing to work with the Rays-by participating in a collaborative working group-and the city council to bring the Major-League baseball games back to St. Petersburg," said the city.
planned repair proposal and reaction of the city
The city's architect initially presented the repair proposal on December 12, but this has not yet been fully approved. Members of the City councils Since the residents and companies are still of the effects of the Hurrikan Milton and Hurricane Helene
financing of reconstruction
Mayor Ken Welch said that insurance and funds should cover the majority of the costs of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema). Silverman also stated that the Major League Baseball told the team that it would hire her own consultant to monitor the repair work and the schedule.
New stadium project in St. Petersburg
The planned new stadium of the rays in the city center is part of a 6.5-billion dollar project , which among other things affordable living space, a museum on the history of African Americans, retail and retail and Office space as well as restaurants and bars. The project bears the name Historic Gas Plant District, which was once a blooming African -American community that was displaced by the construction of the stadium and a highway.
future games and obligations of the rays
The Rays are preparing to carry their home games in the Steinbrenner Field, the 11,000 -seat training facility in Tampa, in 2025. As soon as the Tropicana Field is repaired, Silverman and the Rays recognize that they have to play three more seasons there in accordance with the contract with St. Petersburg. "We look forward to a large reopening," says Silverman.
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