Tropicana Field can be ready for 2026 after $56M in repairs

Tropicana Field can be repaired and ready in time for the 2026 MLB season for around $55.7 million, according to a damage assessment report sent to St. Petersburg council members obtained by Marc Topkin and Colleen Wright of the Tampa Bay Times.

During Hurricane Milton in October, the stadium roof was shredded and parts of the field were exposed to heavy rainfall.

"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," the report states.

The city of St. Petersburg is responsible for stadium repairs and has already filed an insurance claim. The report estimates the storm caused $39 million in damage to the stadium and another $16 million in costs.

The Rays, led by owner Stuart Sternberg, announced plans with the city in 2023 to build a new stadium near Tropicana Field for $1.2 billion. That venue is expected to open in 2028.

The Tampa Bay Rays haven't announced where they will play home games in 2025. The team has played at Tropicana Field since the franchise's inception in 1998.