The Monday, April 6, game against the Chicago Cubs is more than a typical MLB home opener for the Tampa Bay Rays.
The franchise returns to Tropicana Field, the only true home it has known, for the first time since September 22, 2024. Days later, Hurricane Milton damaged the domed stadium. As a result, the Rays played home games at a spring training facility in Tampa last season.
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Now, $60 million in repairs later, the Rays are happy to be back in a stadium that boasts a new roof, new turf and new lights.
The team marked its return to Tropicana Field after 560 days with a video on X captioned “Back and better than ever.”
“Home is where the memories live: the walk-offs, the no-hitters, the postseason runs, the moments that made this more than a field,” said the video voice-over.
In its previous incarnation, Tropicana Field routinely finished at or near the bottom of MLB stadium rankings. Critics described Its indoor atmosphere as sterile and dank. The off-white roof and low catwalks bothered fielders trying to catch high fly balls.
The team hopes the renovations improve the dome’s reputation.
“A lot of time was spent talking about what was wrong with the Trop when we were there. And then we left,” Rays president of baseball operations Erik Neander said. “And a lot more is spent on what’s right with the Trop as we go back.”
The Rays have scheduled special events leading up to the 4:10 p.m. ET first pitch. The team will recognize the efforts of the repair workers and club staff who helped rebuild Tropicana Field. Those participants and their guests will take part in a special flag unfurling ceremony highlighting the strength and resiliency of the community, according to the Rays.
Country music star Eric Church will perform the national anthem. St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch and Tampa Mayor Jane Castor will throw out the first pitches.