Tampa Bay Rays facing major stadium decision after Hurricane Milton damage with $56m repair bill which could take a year
THE Tampa Bay Rays are facing some major stadium decisions after damage from Hurricane Milton.
Tropicana Field had the roof completely torn off in the storm that battered Florida.
A 412-page assessment report has been sent to authorities in St. Petersburg.
The document said that Tropicana Field was still “structurally sound” and is capable of supporting a new roof.
But the cost of repair could be as much as $56 million.
The Major League Baseball team would also not be able to move back in until the 2026 season.
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That still leaves the Rays looking for a home in 2025 even if they go ahead with the fix.
And the matter is further complicated by Tampa Bay’s plans to move to a new ballpark.
The Rays are planning on building a $1.3 billion new home adjacent to Tropicana Field which would be open in 2028.
But the immediate priority remains for the Rays to find a new short-term home.
Some options include sites used by teams including the New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers and the Toronto Blue Jays.
While another option could see the Rays use the ballpark at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports complex near Orlando.
Tampa Bay stadium completely flooded as wild footage shows it ‘looking like an ocean’ after Hurricane Milton battering
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said: “We’re hopeful we can figure out something for them and the repairs can be done in a way that allows them to resume playing.
“The easiest thing is always to stay in the market where the clubs are anchored, if we can manage it.”
Tropicana Field was initially set up as a base for first responders ahead of Hurricane Milton.
It opened in 1990 at a cost of $130 million and seats just over 42,000 fans.
The Rays have played at the venue ever since their inaugural season in 1998.
The outfield was covered with thousands of beds as it became a base camp during the storm.
But dramatic footage showed the roof being completely ripped off overnight.
The stadium is in the first part of Florida to feel the effects of Hurricane Milton on the West Coast.
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Nearby Raymond James Stadium was also left looking like an ocean and wind and rain swept through.
But the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been able to return to their NFL home and continue playing.
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