Tampa Bay Rays announce Tropicana Field reopening date with huge repairs underway after Hurricane Milton destruction
Tropicana Field’s future has been updated by the Tampa Bay Rays.
Following Hurricane Milton’s October impact, the roof of the Major League Baseball ballpark was torn off.
The Rays have called Tropicana Field home since their first Major League Baseball season in 1998.
Milton destroyed the fabric roof of the ballpark and caused chaos in the Tampa vicinity.
The Rays’ homes sustained significant water damage due to exposure to the weather.
It will remain closed for the foreseeable future because it is not currently fit to host baseball.
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Even though the St. Petersburg council provided cash for the ballpark’s repairs, Rays President Brian Auld stated in November that the organization did not want the city to do so.
The Rays had only intended to utilize the stadium until 2027 until a successor could be constructed prior to the hurricane.
However, the organization has now altered their mind and has no firm plans for rebuilding.
Rays President Matthew Silverman stated that the team has since shifted its stance in a letter to City Administrator Robert Gerdes.
Additionally, the Rays “expect” to be able to play on Opening Day in 2026 at Tropicana Field.
Later in the season, repairs would “present massive logistical and revenue challenges for the team,” according to Silverman.
“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.”
Additionally, Silverman called for weekly meetings between the city and an impartial MLB advisor “to discuss progress and implement key decisions.”
Tropicana Field will undoubtedly be closed in 2025, therefore the Rays will be playing at a temporary location the following season.
The 2025 season will start on March 27 and they will play at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa.
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The New York Yankees use Steinbrenner Field, which can accommodate 11,026 people, for their spring training.
“The Yankees’ kind permission to play at Steinbrenner Field for the 2025 season is greatly appreciated,” stated Rays Principal Owner Stuart Sternberg.
“We’ve had to take some drastic measures because of the hurricane damage to Tropicana Field.
“Just as hurricanes Helene and Milton have forced thousands of families and businesses in our community to adapt to new circumstances as we all recover and rebuild.”
“We are pleased to offer the Rays and their supporters a Major League-caliber facility to use this season,” Yankees Managing General Partner Hal Steinbrenner continued.
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“My family and the Yankees organization have strong ties to the Tampa Bay area.
“We understand how meaningful it is for Rays players, employees and fans to have their 2025 home games take place within 30 minutes of Tropicana Field.”
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