We’re starting to get some clarification on whether or not the Tampa Bay Rays will have to find a new home ballpark for the 2025 MLB season.
Tropicana Field was severely impacted after Hurricane Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm last month. Videos of the destruction went viral and were symbolic of the damage wrought by the powerful storm.
The high winds associated with the hurricane shredded the stadium’s fabric dome roof, exposing the interior and littering the field with debris.
Before the storm hit, Tropicana Field was set up as a refuge for emergency responders, but these individuals were relocated due to the extreme weather conditions. Thankfully, no injuries were reported at the stadium during the hurricane.
Now, the cost of repairing the stadium and the length of time necessary for those repairs are coming to light.
Roof is gone at Tropicana Field #milton #rays
— Nick Burch (@PageWebber) October 10, 2024
Video by: Nick Friedman@mysuncoast @WESH pic.twitter.com/VME6Um351J
Will The Rays Play At Tropicana Field In 2025?
Hurricane Milton caused significant damage to Tropicana Field, with the cost for repairs estimated at $55.7 million to make it ready by the 2026 season, according to Front Office Sports.
The stadium’s structure was confirmed to be sound, capable of supporting a new tension membrane fabric roof. But the repair cost and timeline mean the Rays will assuredly need an alternative venue for the 2025 season.
“Overall, the stadium appears structurally sound and would be a viable candidate to continue to serve the city (should they so decide) in providing continued service following hurricane damage repairs,” an assessment report reads.
The city of St. Petersburg, which owns the stadium, has insurance for such damages, but it comes with a $22 million deductible. And it won’t cover the entire cost which will almost certainly see overrun.
Discussions on funding the repairs and alternative playing locations are ongoing, given the potential construction of a new stadium for the Rays by 2028.
Will they go ahead and make the repairs? Or will they rush through the new stadium proposal citing the damage as too expensive to justify said repairs?
The Rays won't be able to play at Tropicana Park at all next season because of hurricane damage. pic.twitter.com/vlPfz93ztt
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) November 13, 2024
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What Are The Options?
If Tropicana Field isn’t repaired for the 2025 season due to the damage from Hurricane Milton, the Tampa Bay Rays have several potential temporary homes.
The Rays currently conduct their spring training at Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte, Florida. It would be the simplest solution for continuity, though it has limited seating.
There is also Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, the New York Yankees’ spring training venue which has a higher seating capacity.
Front Office Sports, though, states it is “increasingly likely … that the Rays will be in a minor league stadium, joining the A’s, who are playing the next three years at Sacramento’s Sutter Health Park.”
The choice would depend on logistical considerations like capacity, scheduling with existing teams, the ability to host MLB games, and maintaining fan accessibility and support.
It will be interesting to see how Rays ownership and the MLB react to this unprecedented situation.
More about:MLB News
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