The repaired and renovated version of Tropicana Field is taking shape well in advance of the Rays’ planned April 6 return.
With the 24th and final panel of the new roof installed Nov. 20, the focus has now shifted to interior work, including the clubhouses, playing field, video boards and fan areas such as seating and concessions.
St. Petersburg officials on Dec. 3 provided media a glimpse inside the facility, which was heavily damaged by Hurricane Milton in early October 2024 and rendered unplayable for the 2025 season.
The Rays instead spent the season at Tampa’s Steinbrenner Field, the spring and minor-league home of the Yankees.
A year ago, the stadium was littered with remnants of the white Teflon roof in what seemed to be a post-apocalyptic scene. On Dec. 3, there was a buzz of activity with construction equipment and workers on the stadium floor and throughout the building.
Drywall is being installed, seats are being secured, electrical panels are being replaced and lights are being adjusted.
City officials reiterated that they are confident the work will be completed ahead of schedule for opening day.
“We’re confident this is going to get done and get done right,” city architect Raul Quintana said.
The Rays also are making some improvements, such as a new video board and sound system, adding premium seating areas and upgrading the Porch social area in centerfield. The team offices also are being repaired.
CEO Ken Babby said at the new owners’ introductory media session in October that the Trop, which opened in 1990 and housed the Rays starting in 1998, “is going to look better than it has ever looked.”
Manager Kevin Cash said repeatedly since the end of last season how eager the team was to return to the domed and air-conditioned stadium, and how the repairs, renovations and upgrades are done.
“I think everybody is very excited,” Cash said. “I know the organization’s working really hard to get everything accomplished.
“With the damages that were done and a lot of that stuff having to be replaced, it allows them to bring in some new ideas and thoughts. Some of that probably wasn’t available to us before getting kind of wiped out in the clubhouse and all of our facilities underneath.”
As the landlord, the city is responsible for the repairs, with the City Council approving $59.7 million for the project. Insurance so far has covered $7.65 million, and City Development Administration Managing Director Beth Herendeen said the city is still talking with the Federal Emergency Management Agency about potential reimbursement, which could take years to finalize.
The Rays have a lease to play at the Trop through 2028. Under new ownership, they are working to find a location for a new stadium as part of a 100-plus entertainment/retail/housing project, most likely on the Tampa side of the bridges, that would open in 2029. If that goal isn’t met, they could seek to extend their lease at the Trop.
Times staff writer Colleen Wright contributed to this report.