Iconic MLB stadium unrecognizable after $55 million renovation following destruction from deadly hurricane

THE Tampa Bay Rays underwent massive work to repair Tropicana Field after the damage it sustained from Hurricane Milton in October 2024.

The MLB franchise was forced to play its 2025 home games across the bay in Tampa at Steinbrenner Field, the spring training home of the New York Yankees.

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The Tampa Bay Rays’ Tropicana Field saw its roof destroyed by Hurricane MiltonCredit: AP

A general overall aerial view of Tropicana Field and stadium dome damage from Hurricane Milton on August 25, 2025 in St. Petersburg, FloridaCredit: Getty

The Rays are set to play at Tropicana Field for the upcoming season after Hurricane Milton‘s 100-plus mph winds severely damaged the stadium.

City officials in St. Petersburg showed off the newly enclosed dome last month and expressed their confidence that the venue will be ready for the team’s home opener on April 6 against the Chicago Cubs.

“We have no concern about being open or ready for Opening Day,” said Beth Herendeen, managing director of City Development Administration, per ESPN. “We hope we keep it that way.”

Tropicana Field sustained plenty of damage, as high winds destroyed the roof, causing rain to fall into the stadium for months.

Water led to mold and damage to electrical, sound, and broadcast systems.

The Rays moved away from the Trop, playing at the nearby Steinbrenner Field in Tampa.

Repair work took over a year to restore the venue to its original look.

The installation of the new roof began in August, and the final panel was added on November 21.

The new roof resembles a circus tent, with alternating shades of white and brown.

The panels look more beige when they’re manufactured and will all be white by April, says Raul Quintana, the city architect for St. Petersburg.

Repairs also led to the air-conditioning system being reactivated, and upgrades to luxury suites and the stadium jumbotron.

“Drywall is being hung,” Beth Herendeen, St. Pete’s managing director of City Development Administration, said last month. “Seats are being painted.

“The catwalk electric is being installed.

“The new stadium sound system will be installed this month and tested in January, so we’re looking forward to that.”

The Rays revealed a video showing Tropicana Field and its repairCredit: Tampa Bay Rays

“If you’re familiar with the 360 walkway and the Viva deck, which is in left field, that flooring is going to be installed this month. New backstop netting is going to be installed this month.”

She said that “new turf” will be put in place in mid-January.

Herenden also said some rain made its way into the clubhouse last July and August, so the team will install new carpeting and new lockers in February.

There will also be new home plate club seats, clubhouse carpet and lockers, and flooring on the outfield deck.

A view of Tropicana Field on March 18, 2025Credit: Getty

Tropicana Field’s construction is set to be complete in early March as the overall cost of repairs has been estimated at $55million.

The Rays begin the season with a nine-game road trip to face the St. Louis Cardinals, Milwaukee Brewers, and Minnesota Twins.

MLB important dates

Pitchers and catchers expect to report around February 10-14.

February 20 – Spring Training begins

March 5-17 – World Baseball Classic

March 25 –  Opening Night Game on Netflix (Yankees vs. Giants at Oracle Park)

March 26 – Traditional Opening Day

April 25-26 – MLB World Tour in Mexico City (Diamondbacks vs. Padres at Estadio Alfredo Harp Helú in Mexico City)

May 15-17 – MLB Rivalry Weekend

June 8-14 – Athletics host two series in Las Vegas

July 13-14 – MLB Home Run Derby, All-Star Game in Philadelphia

August 13 – MLB At Field of Dreams (Twins vs. Phillies on Netflix)

August 23 – Little League Classic (Brewers vs. Braves) in Williamsport

September 27 – Final day of the regular season

September 29 – Postseason begins

October 23 – World Series begins