Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?
As the Rays continue their 2025 MLB season playing at the spring training home of the Yankees, the St. Petersburg (Fla.) City Council approved $22.5 million in funding Thursday to begin repairing the roof at their longtime home ballpark, Tropicana Field.
The city council voted 7–1 to replace Tropicana Field’s roof, which was ripped off during Hurricane Milton last fall. St. Petersburg, the venue’s landlord, is contractually obligated to fix the damage, which could ultimately cost more than $50 million in total.
With the roof repair green-lit, the goal is to have Tropicana Field ready for the 2026 MLB season. The Rays are 4–2 this season after six home games at the 11,000-seat George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa.
Should the Rays return to Tropicana Field, the team will have three years remaining on its lease, which extends by one year for each season the club doesn’t play at the ballpark.
Last month, the Rays decided not to move forward with a plan to build a new $1.3 billion ballpark in St. Petersburg. That led to questions about the club’s future, including the potential for relocation.
Despite Thursday’s vote, there is no guarantee that Tropicana Field will be ready to host major league games in 2026. Other repairs needed include returning the playing surface to viability, making sure audio and video is working throughout the venue, and getting concessions back up and running.
Download the FOS App
The business of sports, in your pocket.
Scan the QR code to get the app now.
