Tampa Bay Rays back $55.7 million plan to fix Tropicana Field before 2026 season

In the United States, the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team has affirmed its backing for a $55.7 million repair plan aimed at fixing damage caused by Hurricane Milton to Tropicana Field. Following the hurricane's impact on October 9, 2023, the facility suffered extensive damage, including a destroyed fabric roof and water damage to its interiors. The Rays are preparing to play their games for the 2025 season at Steinbrenner Field, the spring training home of the New York Yankees in Tampa. According to Rays' co-president Matt Silverman, the team has shifted its stance to support the reconstruction and adhere to its existing agreement with the city of St. Petersburg. Silverman's recent email correspondence reveals that while there were initial considerations for the city to buy out from its contractual obligations to rebuild the ballpark, the current focus rests on repairing Tropicana Field. He emphasizes the critical nature of commencing repairs promptly to meet the scheduled opening day for the 2026 season. With the city undergoing its own deliberations regarding the repair proposal, budgetary concerns have arisen among city council members owing to the financial strain from recent hurricanes affecting the community. St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch has stated that a significant portion of the repair costs should be covered by insurance proceeds and federal funds, aiming to alleviate any fiscal burdens on local taxpayers. As the city has yet to fully approve the repair plan, MLB has indicated that they will appoint an advisor to monitor the project execution and timeline. The planned improvements are pivotal not only for the immediate future of Tropicana Field but also as part of a larger vision of a new ballpark to replace it in the Historic Gas Plant District, which reflects a significant $6.5 billion redevelopment initiative meant to enhance the community with retail space, affordable housing, and a Black history museum, honoring the contributions of a displaced community. Furthermore, Silverman noted that any potential delays in repairs could pose substantial logistical hurdles for the team in the upcoming season, heightening the urgency for a swift resolution to the plan.