ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Tropicana Field, the longtime home of the Tampa Bay Rays, is set to undergo a major roof replacement after suffering significant damage from Hurricane Milton — with hopes of having the stadium ready for the 2026 season.
In a recent vote, the St. Petersburg City Council approved $22.5 million to kick off the repairs, focusing first on installing a new membrane roof, which is essential before other renovations can move forward. The vote passed 7-1.
“We are legally bound by an agreement. The agreement requires us to fix the stadium,” explained council member Lissett Hanewicz, who is also a lawyer. “We need to move ahead with the roof repair so we can complete the rest.”
Although the Rays backed out of a previously proposed $1.3 billion new stadium deal, the city remains contractually obligated to maintain Tropicana Field under the current lease terms.
The hurricane damage forced the Rays to relocate their home games this season to Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, the spring training home of the New York Yankees. The team has adjusted well, going 4-2 during their first homestand at the smaller, open-air venue that accommodates roughly 11,000 fans.
According to the current lease, the Rays are expected to play three more seasons at Tropicana Field once repairs are complete, taking them through 2028. However, long-term plans remain uncertain, with speculation around whether the team might eventually move to Tampa or another city.
Major League Baseball has emphasized that keeping the franchise in the Tampa Bay region remains a priority.
“We are pleased to see City Council take action,” a statement from the Rays is expected to follow as developments continue.