Rays eager to return to Tropicana Field for first game since hurricane damaged roof
ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - AUGUST 25: A general overall aerial view of Tropicana Field and stadium dome damage from Hurricane Milton on August 25, 2025 in St. Petersburg, Florida.
(Photo by Kirby Lee/Getty Images) Kirby Lee/Getty Images A sellout crowd will welcome the Tampa Bay Rays back to renovated Tropicana Field on Monday for the first time in 18 1/2 months. The quirky stadium with the tilted roof and unique catwalks underwent major repairs after Hurricane Milton swept through downtown St. Petersburg on Oct.
9, 2024, and caused extensive damage. High wind ripped sections of the original roof, allowing rain to fall into the stadium bowl for months. Water caused mold and damage to electrical, sound and broadcast systems.
There was thought initially the Rays would never play another game at the only ballpark they had called home since the franchise’s debut in 1998. Instead, nearly $60 million was spent to replace the roof and rebuild the Trop. While the Rays played their 2025 home games across the bay in Tampa at Steinbrenner Field — the spring training home of the New York Yankees — their stadium got a makeover.
The new roof was installed last August, and the final panel was put in place Nov. 21. Luxury suites and the stadium video board were upgraded.