Tampa Bay Rays make final decision over Tropicana Field after $55 million hurricane damage

THE Tampa Bay Rays are preparing to head back home.

Tropicana Field was hit with extensive storm damage after Hurricane Milton made landfall in 2024.

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The Tampa Bay Rays are preparing to return to Tropicana Field in 2026Credit: AP

The ballpark saw its roof ripped off by Hurricane MiltonCredit: AFP

It has cost more than $55million to prepare the venue for MLB action againCredit: AP

The roof of the MLB venue was virtually shredded by winds and debris.

In total, the overall cost of repairs has been estimated at $55million.

The Rays moved away from Tropicana Field this season, playing at the nearby Steinbrenner Field in Tampa.

With room for just 11,000 spectators, crowds have dropped by over 41 per cent.

In a boost for the Rays, officials say Tropicana Field is expected to be ready for Opening Day in 2026.

Repair work has been ongoing for over a year to restore the facility to its former glory.

“I’m glad we’re on track to welcome our Rays back home for Opening Day,” St. Petersburg City Council member Gina Driscoll said on Tuesday.

“With a repaired stadium and new ownership, it’s a fresh start for baseball in St. Petersburg.”

The MLB recently announced that it approved the $1.7 billion sale of the Rays to a group led by Jacksonville developer Patrick Zalupski.

Zalupski’s takeover is set to be finalized later this month.

Long term, the Rays’ future appears to be away from Tropicana.

But they are obligated to play in St. Petersburg through the 2028 baseball season.

Repairs to the Tropicana’s broken roof are expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The Rays and MLB have approved interior finishes, including the flooring and wall coverings, according to a memo from City Development Administrator James Corbett.

A move away from Tropicana has been touted by the Rays over the past few years.

But plans for a newly-built stadium in Florida were spiked last month, leaving the future of the team’s home games up in the air.

Despite off-field woes, Tampa have put together a solid season.

They are currently 4th in the American League East, with a record of 76-81.