Report says Tropicana Field can possibly be ready for '26

ST. PETERSBURG -- After Tropicana Field sustained significant damage during Hurricane Milton, a detailed damage assessment report sent to the city on Tuesday said the ballpark is structurally sound and can be repaired for about $55.7 million in time for the 2026 season.

The 412-page “Facility Damage Assessment and Remediation Recommendation Report” from Hennessy Construction Services concluded that the primary roof structure of Tropicana Field “does not appear to have been adversely affected” by the hurricane’s winds, which ripped off 18 of the ballpark’s 24 Teflon-coated fiberglass fabric roof panels.

A new roof would be the largest expense, according to the report, accounting for about $23.6 million, but the report states that “the primary structure is serviceable and capable of supporting a replacement tension membrane fabric roof.”

“Overall, the stadium appears structurally sound and would be a viable candidate to continue to serve the City [should they so decide] in providing continued service following hurricane damage repairs,” the report concludes.

Based on the preliminary timeline in the report, it would take a little less than 13 months from the start of construction until “final completion,” with the repairs wrapping up just before a projected Opening Day in late March of 2026.

“The City continues to review the comprehensive damage assessment and remediation recommendation report received from Hennessy Construction in response to storm damage at Tropicana Field,” St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch said in a statement. “We believe having our hometown team play in St. Petersburg as soon as possible is important for our community. The City plans to meet its obligations to ensure that the Rays can play in St. Pete, and the redevelopment of the Historic Gas Plant District and the construction of a new stadium move forward.

“As such, the City is implementing repairs to Tropicana Field with the hope that it will be ready for play for the 2026 season. We anticipate that the majority of the repair costs incurred by the City will be covered by insurance and FEMA reimbursements, making this approach both beneficial for community spirit and fiscally responsible for our community.”

Rays president Matt Silverman issued the following statement: “We’ll continue to have discussions with the city about how to move forward.”

Speaking on “The Varsity” podcast last month, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said he was “hopeful” that they could remain in the Tampa Bay area, which is also home to several Spring Training and Minor League parks.

According to the report, audio and visual systems were affected throughout Tropicana Field and would need to be fully tested to determine the extent of the damage. Additionally, the club’s administrative areas sustained wind and water damage.

The St. Petersburg city council is slated to discuss the report at a meeting on Nov. 21. On Oct. 31, the council voted to spend approximately $6.5 million to contract with firms to clean up the ballpark’s damaged roof and turf while guarding against further damage by waterproofing various exposed areas, as the Trop was built as an indoor facility with no drainage system. That cost is included in the estimated $55.7 million figure.

The city of St. Petersburg, which owns the building, is responsible for repairs and must decide whether it will pay to fix the ballpark while knowing the Rays are planning to move into their new, $1.3 billion ballpark in 2028.

The Rays intended to break ground on the new ballpark, as part of the Historic Gas Plant District redevelopment, in January.

According to Section 16.03 in the city’s original use agreement with the club, “In the event of total or partial destruction or damage rendering the Dome not suitable for playing Home Games,” the agreement will be suspended and extended by one season for each season that is the case. The 1995 agreement also stated that “the city will reasonably assist the club in finding a substitute location for playing Home Games” during that period.