Tropicana Stadium restoration cost estimated at $557,000; ballpark 2028 – NewsLooks

Tropicana Stadium repairs estimated at $557,000; Ballpark 2028 Newslooks Washington, D.C. Mary Sidiqi Evening Edition Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays, will cost $557,000 to repair and can safely reopen in 2026, according to a detailed assessment conducted in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. The St. Petersburg City Council will soon decide whether to proceed with restoration work as recent storms pose funding challenges while plans for a new Historic Gas Plant District stadium, scheduled to open in 2028, move forward. The Rays are exploring a replacement home in the Tampa Bay area for 2025 as restoration work begins.

Tropicana Course Damage and Repair Plan Quick Facts

• expensive repairs: A structural assessment estimates it will cost $55.7 million to restore Tropicana Field by 2026.
• structural integrity: Despite extensive roof and water damage, the stadium is structurally sound and can be repaired.
• City funding sources: St. Petersburg is expected to rely on insurance, Federal Emergency Management Agency funding and potential taxpayer contributions.
• Temporary venue options: The Rays may consider using local spring training stadiums for the 2025 season, such as those in Clearwater, Tampa and Sarasota.
• Historic natural gas plant area: A $650 million redevelopment plan continues around the new stadium, which is expected to open in 2028.

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After Hurricane Milton, St. Petersburg’s Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays, was assessed to be in need of major repairs totaling $557,000, with experts confirming that the stadium’s structure remains stable. The 412-page report released by the city of St. Petersburg on Tuesday comprehensively examined the extent of the hurricane’s damage and found that while the stadium’s roof and various interior elements were damaged, the infrastructure was not severely affected. A review by Hennessey Building Services determines that with a complete roof replacement and additional repairs, the stadium can safely host the Rays when they return for the 2026 season

Tropicana Stadium was built in 1990 and has been the home of the Rays since their debut in 1998. While the stadium itself will eventually be demolished, the city remains committed to ensuring it can host the Rays in the short term as a new $130 million stadium is slated to be built on the historic natural gas plant site. Hurricane Milton caused damage primarily to the fabric roof, with strong winds breaking 24 of the stadium’s 18 roof panels. The rain also damaged various parts of the stadium’s interior, including the seats, press box and scoreboard. Hennessy Construction confirmed that the structure could support a new tensile membrane roof to replace the one destroyed in the storm. The facility’s status as an important community landmark and part of the Rays’ hometown appeal only strengthens St. Petersburg’s commitment to the project.

The historical significance of Tropicana is not limited to sports. The redevelopment of the stadium, located in the Gasworks District, a once prosperous black neighborhood, aims to revitalize the area by adding affordable housing, museums, retail shops and dining options, as well as a new stadium expected to be completed in 2028. The $650 million project is designed to pay tribute to the community’s history while providing modern amenities and a new community identity.

The City of St. Petersburg’s commitment to Tropicana Field restoration is complicated by recent storms that have strained local and state resources. In addition to extensive park, infrastructure and debris cleanup, local governments have been forced to evaluate financial priorities. The St. Petersburg City Council will discuss the restoration report at its upcoming meeting on September 21st. Councilmember Brandi Gabbard shared her perspective last week, acknowledging the community’s love for Tropicana Field but emphasizing the need to “balance citywide priorities.” Petersburg has allocated $220,000 for emergency protective measures to ensure the safety of the stadium, such as waterproofing critical areas and preventing further water and structural damage. City officials have initiated an insurance claim, but it includes a high deductible of $50,000, meaning further financial assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and possibly city taxpayers may be needed to pay for the full cost of repairs.

St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch expressed optimism about the financing options, saying insurance and assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency could cover most of the repairs. “We feel it’s important for our community to have our hometown team play in St. Petersburg as soon as possible,” he said. His statement underscores the city’s commitment to the Rays continuing to attract loyal fans. Rays co-president Matt Silverman also said the team is eager to work with St. Petersburg officials on appropriate future plans.

Given that the restoration of Tropicana Field won’t be completed until the 2026 season, the Rays will need a temporary home for the 2025 season. Major League Baseball has said it wants the team to stay in the Tampa Bay area and continue to attract fans. Possible interim options include spring training venues in the area, including BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota and Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte, where the Rays will hold their own spring training. These venues are frequently used by major and minor league teams, but require logistical adjustments to accommodate an MLB team for a full season of training.

The report also raised questions about the impact of repair costs on an ambitious redevelopment project in St. Petersburg’s historic gas plant district. The city has previously committed $650 million to the district, including affordable housing, a Black History Museum, retail space, office buildings and a new stadium, which is expected to be open for the 2028 season. Local officials have not ruled out pushing back the rebuilding timeline to prioritize repairs at Tropicana Field and ensure the Rays have a viable home field in the short term. However, this option may create additional funding challenges and may delay the expected positive economic and social impacts of historic natural gas plant projects.

City officials stressed that any decision to postpone the redevelopment would be carefully considered to minimize disruption. The redevelopment project is expected to create numerous jobs, enhance community resources and boost the St. Petersburg economy. Mayor Welch stated: “The city plans to meet its obligations to ensure that the Rays can play in St. Petersburg and that the redevelopment of the historic natural gas plant area and construction of the new stadium proceed smoothly.” Welch’s remarks confirmed that Tropicana Field’s Both restoration and neighborhood revitalization are considered priorities for the city going forward.

As the March 21 meeting approaches, city officials are weighing the economic, cultural and community impacts of various decisions, including the allocation of insurance and taxpayer funds to ensure the Rays return and move forward with redevelopment of the gas plant. For the St. Petersburg community, Tropicana Field is both a link to the past and a bridge to a revitalized future. The path forward requires careful planning, funding and community engagement to ensure the city’s commitment to the Rays, local residents and economic goals can be achieved simultaneously.

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