ST. PETERSBURG — The week following Hurricane Milton’s rampage through west central Florida, which severely damaged the Tropicana Field roof, has left many uncertainties regarding the impact on the Rays.
What seems clear is that the team will not commence the 2025 Major League Baseball season at home as scheduled on March 27.
Crucial questions remain unanswered, including where the Rays will play, the duration of their displacement, and what additional repairs beyond a new custom roof are required to restore Tropicana Field — especially with the planned 2028 opening of their new stadium nearby.
Signage and the roof of Tropicana Field were damaged by winds from Hurricane Milton. [ MIKE CARLSON | AP ]
Due to safety risks, access to the building has been severely restricted, particularly concerning the stability of the supports for the Teflon-coated fiberglass roof.
Significant damage has been reported in other areas of the stadium as well. For instance, several team offices located on the fourth floor, which featured drop ceilings beneath the main roof, are now exposed to the elements.
Since releasing a statement on October 10, the day after the storm, Rays officials have refrained from public remarks, noting they anticipate being able to “assess the true condition” of the stadium over the upcoming days and weeks.
In a brief communication to staff last week, team leadership recognized that there are “more questions than answers.” An update for employees is expected this week.
Where will the Rays play in 2025?
Mickey Mouse delivers the ceremonial first pitch as the Rays’ Jason Adam (47) catches ahead of a spring training game against the Yankees at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista on Feb. 28, 2023. [ Times (2023) ]
This question is the most frequently asked, and with opening day just 162 days away, it’s arguably the most urgent.
The Rays need to determine whether they are in search of a temporary home for a few months, for an entire season, or for all three years. Moreover, Major League Baseball will have input, and the players’ union is likely to be involved.
A long list of possibilities, potentially up to 50 locations, exists, with some being more appropriate depending on the duration of their stay. Concerns such as weather, proximity, facilities, and potential scheduling conflicts with primary tenants will also come into play.
The proposition of utilizing nearby minor-league or spring training stadiums could be enticing for several reasons. Most notably, that fans
could still attend. Additionally, players and staff can reside in their regular homes, and there may be job opportunities for their game-day personnel.
There are several facilities that warrant consideration, such as Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg, BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater (home of the Phillies), TD Ballpark in Dunedin (Blue Jays), and Steinbrenner Field in Tampa (Yankees).
However, none of these stadiums have a roof, resulting in frequent weather delays and disruptions to pre-game activities during the summer months. Moreover, all would require enhancements to accommodate regular-season games.
Al Lang would need to be converted back from soccer to baseball and has enduring issues with flooding. The other three stadiums also cater to minor-league teams, which complicates scheduling and may necessitate compensation for those organizations.
During part of the 2021 season, the Toronto Blue Jays held their home regular-season games in Dunedin. [ CHRIS URSO | Times ]
Would the Rays truly want to play 81 games while facing the Yankees’ logos?
The Rays are familiar with stadiums located about 90 miles away in Port Charlotte, their traditional spring training spot, as well as the Disney complex, where they have previously played two regular-season series and part of their 2023 spring training.
Weather will remain a concern, and housing arrangements for players and staff would be necessary.
The Disney venue would likely require the fewest upgrades but might pose scheduling challenges due to a high volume of youth events already planned there.
The Rays’ familiarity with the Charlotte Sports Park, their spring training facility since 2009, presents both advantages and disadvantages. The small capacity (6,823), somewhat remote location, and the necessity for upgrades raise concerns.
Competing in a current major-league stadium would resolve many issues. Miami’s LoanDepot Park is a feasible option and features a roof.
However, relocating players and staff would be necessary, and significant scheduling conflicts would arise since the Rays and Marlins currently have 49 overlapping home dates. While MLB could modify some scheduling, there would likely be a need for unusual doubleheaders.
Could it be feasible for the Rays and Marlins to share LoanDepot Park in Miami for part of the regular season in 2025? [ LYNNE SLADKY | AP ]
The Rays might find themselves out of state, although ideally they would prefer to remain in the Eastern Time Zone for television purposes.
You can expect to hear proposals considering Durham, North Carolina, where their Triple-A team is located; the Raleigh area, which is a hot spot for expansion teams; Nashville and Charlotte, both of which have Triple-A teams and aspirations for expansion; and San Juan, Puerto Rico, known for hosting major league games. (Las Vegas seems to be off the table due to the Athletics’ relocation plans there in 2028.)
Perhaps,
In an ironic turn of events, Olympic Stadium in Montreal, where the Rays had previously considered playing split seasons, is now a potential venue, albeit in a new outdoor ballpark.
The largest stadium in the U.S. currently without a major-league team is Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Nebraska, the 24,000-seat venue for the College World Series.
What is the extent of the damage?
Visible here is the destruction inside Tropicana Field, seen through the stadium’s damaged roof. [ JULIO CORTEZ | AP ]
While the iconic image likely represents the havoc wreaked by Hurricane Milton, the shredded roof is not the only issue at the stadium, which opened in 1990 without a main tenant.
Next week, engineering experts are expected on-site to assess the overall structural integrity, including whether the roof struts face the risk of collapse. They will also evaluate the large video board and other features that were not designed for exposure to the elements, along with additional damage throughout the building, including exposed offices.
Replacing the 6-acre roof will be a monumental task, beginning with determining how long it will take to fabricate a new one.
Who is responsible for the repairs?
The city of St. Petersburg holds responsibility and has insurance in place to cover repair costs. However, this does not imply a straightforward process for restoring the stadium, as anyone dealing with insurance claims understands.
“The fund for Tropicana Field is somewhat complex, but insurance is available for the property,” stated city administrator Rob Gerdes. “The initial step will be to examine the property insurance to facilitate the repairs.”
Nevertheless, it’s essential to consider the scale and complexity of the claim, which involves a three-party process and protocols that dictate the extent of repairs. For example, with the damage from Hurricane Ian to the Port Charlotte facility, repairs could only restore facilities to pre-storm conditions, not enhance them.
Is it possible for the Rays to play without a roof?
An aerial drone shot of Tropicana Field showcases the shredded roof. [ DIRK SHADD | Times ]
This scenario seems improbable.
Since the stadium was designed as an enclosed, multi-purpose facility, there is no drainage system in place; thus, rain would accumulate and flood the field, dugouts, and seating areas. This would continue with any subsequent rainfall until the roof is replaced.
Implementing a drainage system appears complicated, as the stadium turf rests on a concrete base that includes electrical boxes and wiring, necessitating extensive renovations.
Will the staff remain in place?
Alongside the stadium repairs, there will be significant additional expenses, many of which will arise from the need to relocate to a temporary venue.
A decline in revenue is likely, for example,
from revenue sources like ticket sales, sponsorships, and marketing agreements, alongside the possibility of needing to issue refunds.
Could this result in layoffs or furloughs? Depending on where the Rays are playing, the venue might have its own staff responsible for ticketing, field preparations, and game-day operations.
Another significant consideration is whether Major League Baseball will extend any financial support in what appears to be an unprecedented circumstance for a team.
Is the timeline for the new stadium affected?
This image illustrates the interior of the upcoming ballpark at the Tropicana Field site in St. Petersburg. [ Tampa Bay Rays ]
As the Rays collaborate with St. Petersburg officials on next steps, a pivotal question may revolve around the short-term investment needed to repair Tropicana Field — which also hosts graduations and other events outside of baseball — especially considering it will eventually be demolished for the new stadium, expected to debut in 2028.
Another pertinent concern is whether the extensive damage across the Tampa Bay region could postpone the timeline for the new stadium, which was scheduled to break ground in January.
Additionally, will there be changes to the design that heavily incorporates glass? Should it be reinforced to endure winds exceeding the Category 4 strength that officials currently claim it can handle?
Is there a precedent from other U.S. stadiums?
Yes, though not to this extent.
A notable comparison is the former Metrodome roof, home to the Vikings and Twins in Minneapolis. On December 13, 2010, the stadium’s roof tore and collapsed due to a massive snowstorm that lasted 24 hours. As a result, a Vikings home game scheduled for the following day had to be postponed and relocated to Detroit.
Similar to the Trop, the Metrodome didn’t have a traditional fixed roof. Instead, it featured a 10-acre cover made of Teflon-coated fiberglass fabric, held up by air pressure from substantial fans. The repair cost was approximately $23 million and was fully covered by insurance.
Roof reconstruction began in March and took just over four months to finish. Fortunately, the Twins were set to move into the newly completed Target Field in April and weren’t affected by the damage. This incident accelerated discussions about a new football stadium in Minneapolis, leading to the Metrodome’s demolition four years later.
In a Dec. 12, 2010 file photo, holes in the collapsed Metrodome roof can be seen in Minneapolis. The inflatable roof collapsed after a snowstorm that dumped 17 inches on Minneapolis. [ ANN HEISENFELT | Associated Press (2010) ]
During Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the Superdome served as a refuge for thousands of displaced individuals for nearly a
During the week, the 10-acre roof didn’t collapse; however, its outer surface required a complete replacement. The interior of the NFL stadium suffered extensive damage from flooding, plumbing issues, and vandalism as evacuees began to destroy doors and walls in their search for food and other essentials.
According to a news release from the stadium, it reopened a year later after undergoing a $250 million renovation, financed by FEMA, the state of Louisiana, and the NFL.
In March 2008, a tornado struck downtown Atlanta, resulting in a puncture in the Georgia Dome’s roof. This incident led to stadium fixtures falling during an SEC tournament basketball game. The match between Alabama and Mississippi State was in overtime when the storm hit. Following a one-hour delay, the game resumed, while four additional games over the subsequent two days were relocated to a facility on the Georgia Tech campus.
The roof was repaired relatively swiftly, but the Georgia Dome was ultimately demolished nine years later with the opening of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
John Romano, a columnist for Times sports, and staff writer Colleen Wright contributed to this report.
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Uncertain Future for Tampa Bay Rays After Hurricane Milton’s Destructive Impact on Tropicana Field
Understanding Hurricane Milton’s Impact on Tropicana Field
Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida, wreaking havoc across the Tampa Bay area and significantly impacting the beloved Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but initial reports indicate severe structural issues and extensive flooding within the stadium.
Damage Overview
- Structural Damage: Preliminary inspections reveal critical damage to the outer walls and roof.
- Flooding: The storm surge has resulted in significant water accumulation, affecting both the playing surface and surrounding facilities.
- Utility Disruptions: Power outages and water supply interruptions have compounded the challenges for recovery.
The Economic Ramifications for the Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays, a franchise that has seen a resurgence in recent years, now faces economic uncertainties in the wake of Hurricane Milton. The financial implications of the hurricane could influence the team’s operations, including player contracts and future stadium upgrades.
Financial Impact
| Impacted Area | Estimated Losses |
|---|---|
| Game Revenue | $5 Million |
| Concessions and Merchandise | $1.5 Million |
| Advertising Revenue | $3 Million |
Community and Fan Reactions
The response from the community and fans has been overwhelmingly supportive. Many are rallying to assist recovery efforts, showcasing the dedication and resilience of the Tampa Bay community.
Fan Initiatives
- Fundraising Events: Numerous local businesses are hosting events to raise funds for rebuilding efforts.
- Social Media Campaigns: Fans are using platforms like Twitter and Instagram to share stories and show support for the Rays.
- Volunteer Programs: Local organizations are coordinating volunteer efforts for cleanup and restoration.
Case Studies of Other Sports Teams Post-Hurricane
Looking at historical examples can provide insight into how the Tampa Bay Rays might navigate this crisis. Other sports teams have faced similar challenges and successfully rebuilt stronger than before.
Examples of Recovery
- New Orleans Saints: After Hurricane Katrina, the Saints leveraged community support and rebuilt their fan base, eventually winning the Super Bowl.
- Miami Marlins: Post-Hurricane Irma, the Marlins focused on enhancing their stadium and community engagement, resulting in increased attendance.
Practical Tips for Local Fans and Businesses
As the community comes together to support the Tampa Bay Rays, here are some practical tips for fans and local businesses to contribute positively:
- Attend Fundraising Events: Your participation helps raise funds and shows solidarity with the team.
- Promote Local Businesses: Support local vendors that contribute to recovery efforts.
- Spread Awareness: Utilize social media to share information about events and initiatives aimed at aiding recovery.
The Future of Tropicana Field
As assessments continue, discussions are already underway regarding the future of Tropicana Field. The Rays’ management is exploring various options, including renovations and potential temporary relocations.
Possible Scenarios
| Scenario | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Renovation | Complete structural overhaul with modern facilities. |
| Temporary Relocation | Playing games at another venue while repairs are made. |
| New Stadium Proposal | Exploring options for a new stadium in a different location. |
First-Hand Experiences: Voices from the Community
Listening to community members and fans can provide a deeper understanding of the emotional and social impact of this disaster. Here are a few first-hand experiences from local residents:
“I’ve been a Rays fan for years, and seeing Tropicana Field in this state is heartbreaking. But the community is strong, and I believe we will bounce back.” – Sarah, lifelong Rays supporter.
“As a local business owner, we are collaborating with other businesses to raise funds and support the team. It’s a team effort!” – Mark, owner of a local sports bar.
Conclusion: A Unified Front for Recovery
The uncertainty surrounding the future of the Tampa Bay Rays and Tropicana Field is a pressing concern for fans and the local community. However, the resilience and support from the community suggest a hopeful path forward. As recovery efforts continue, it is crucial for fans to stay engaged and support the initiatives aimed at rebuilding the iconic Tropicana Field. The road ahead may be challenging, but together, the Tampa Bay Rays and their fans can emerge stronger than ever.
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