ST. PETERSBURG, Florida (AP) — A detailed assessment of the damage caused by Hurricane Milton to the Tropicana Field revealed that the structure of the Tampa Bay Rays’ stadium is solid and can be repaired for approximately $55.7 million, but it would only be available for the 2026 Major League season.
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This means that the Rays will have to look for a stadium for the next season, which starts in April 2025.
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What does the report say about the stadium?
The 412-page report published on Tuesday by the city of St. Petersburg, which owns the building, found that the basic structure of the domed stadium "does not appear to have been adversely affected" by the hurricane winds, which tore off most of its fabric roof.
"The main structure is usable and capable of supporting a replacement tension membrane fabric roof," said the report from Hennessy Construction Services.
Eighteen out of the 24 fabric panels of the stadium did not withstand when Milton made landfall on October 9, according to the report. There were also damages to interior parts of the "Trop," as the stadium is known, due to rainwater and other storm-related causes.
The stadium was inaugurated in 1990 and has been the home of the Rays since their creation in 1998.
What is going to happen with the Tropicana Field?
The demolition of Tropicana Field is expected to take place once the construction of a new Rays stadium is completed, costing $1.3 billion, in time for the 2028 season. Unexpected costs for the city and Pinellas County due to two hurricanes - including large amounts of debris removal, damages to parks and infrastructure - raise doubts about the future of the venue: Is it worth spending $55 million on repairs for a stadium that will be demolished two years later?
The city council of St. Petersburg will discuss the report at their meeting on November 21st.
"We have so many needs throughout the city," Councilwoman Brandi Gabbard said in a meeting last week. "I love the Rays. I love the Tropicana Field. It's not about not wanting to do this. It's about a balance of priorities."
The council recently approved $6.5 million to clean the stadium and protect it from any further damage, including waterproofing areas such as the press room, seating areas, and the scoreboard.
The city has an insurance claim for damages and repairs, but it includes a $22 million deductible and would probably only cover part of the total costs. This means that taxpayer dollars would have to be used.
Major League Baseball wants the Rays to stay in the area near their fan base if possible, and several stadiums in the Tampa Bay area have been suggested for spring training. These include stadiums in Clearwater (Phillies), Tampa (Yankees), Dunedin (Blue Jays), Sarasota (Orioles), Lakeland (Tigers), and the Rays' own training home in Port Charlotte.
Most of these places host minor league teams during the summer and are also small compared to Major League stadiums. The Yankees' stadium, for example, has a capacity for 12,000 spectators.