The St. Petersburg City Council has changed its mind on providing more than $23 million to repair Tropicana Field, the home of the Tampa Bay Rays, that was damaged during Hurricane Milton last month.
The stadium’s translucent fiberglass roof was torn to shreds during the hurricane while the venue received significant water damage. A city analysis estimated it would cost $55.7 million for repair costs, but the extensive depth of the damage meant the repairs could not be completed before the 2026 season. The Rays will play the 2025 season at 11,000-seat Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, which is used by the New York Yankees as their spring training home.
The Associated Press reported the city council’s reversal on providing financial assistance followed its vote to delay consideration of revenue bonds for a new $1.3 billion ballpark for the team. Earlier this week, the Pinellas County Commission postponed a vote on its share of the new stadium bonds, which the team warned would raise construction costs while pushing its season opening debut at the new site back to 2029.
However, the city’s contract with the team makes it legally obligated to provide financial aid to repair the stadium. The city council has already approved $6.5 million to prevent further damage to the unroofed stadium, but some council members said they wanted more clarity on the costs for the full range of repairs.
“I’d like to pare it down and see exactly what we’re obligated to do,” said council member John Muhammad.
Photo: felixmizioznikov / Getty Images
;
