The city of St. Petersburg, Florida, has decided to allocate approximately $6.5 million to clean up and protect Tropicana Field, the home of the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team, which sustained significant damage from Hurricane Milton. The storm destroyed the translucent fiberglass dome of the stadium on October 9, raising concerns about whether it can be repaired in time for the 2025 season. If the ballpark is not ready, Major League Baseball has suggested that the Rays play their home games at one of the local spring training sites.
The St. Petersburg City Council recently approved two contracts with companies to clear the debris from the roof, repair damaged areas, and waterproof various sections of the stadium to prevent further damage from rain. The lack of a drainage system in the ballpark makes it vulnerable to additional harm without its roof.
City Administrator Rob Gerdes emphasized the importance of acting swiftly to safeguard the building from additional destruction. An assessment is ongoing to determine the full extent of repairs needed for the Trop, as it is commonly known, along with the associated costs and timeline for completion. The city’s plans to construct a new $1.3 billion ballpark by 2028 present a challenge, as the current stadium may only be in use for three more years.
The cleanup and mitigation efforts are being carried out by BMS CAT and Hennessy Construction Services Corp., with contracts valued at $3.9 million and $2.5 million respectively. These costs will be covered as part of the city’s $22 million deductible with the stadium’s insurers, who require protection measures to prevent further damage.
While some city council members expressed concerns about the investment in a stadium with limited future use, the decision to proceed with the cleanup was supported by others who emphasized the need to prevent further deterioration. Various temporary home options for the Rays have been suggested, including local spring training sites and the team’s own facility in Port Charlotte, 85 miles south of St. Petersburg. MLB aims to finalize a plan for the 2025 season by Christmas.
Despite the challenges posed by the stadium’s damage, efforts are underway to ensure that the Rays have a suitable venue to play their home games in the upcoming seasons. The city’s commitment to protecting Tropicana Field reflects its dedication to preserving a key sports facility and supporting the community’s interests in baseball. The decisions made by local authorities will have a significant impact on the future of the team and its fans, underscoring the importance of proactive measures to address the aftermath of the hurricane and secure a viable playing venue for the Rays.
