Monday marks a homecoming 18½ months in the making as the Tampa Bay Rays take the field at Tropicana Field before a sold-out crowd for the first time since Hurricane Milton devastated their stadium.
The distinctive domed venue, known for its slanted roof design and unusual overhead walkways, required extensive reconstruction following the storm that battered downtown St. Petersburg on October 9, 2024.
Milton’s powerful winds tore away large portions of the stadium’s original covering, exposing the playing field to months of rainfall. The resulting water intrusion led to widespread mold growth and significant harm to the facility’s electrical infrastructure, audio equipment, and broadcasting capabilities.
At one point, team officials questioned whether the Rays would ever again compete at the venue that has served as their exclusive home since entering Major League Baseball in 1998. However, the organization committed approximately $60 million toward roof replacement and comprehensive facility restoration.
During the lengthy renovation process, the Rays relocated their 2025 home schedule to Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, which typically hosts the New York Yankees’ spring training operations.
Workers completed the new roof installation in August, with crews placing the final section on November 21. The renovation project also included enhanced luxury boxes, an upgraded video scoreboard, fresh artificial playing surface, premium seating behind home plate, new clubhouse carpeting and player lockers, plus updated flooring throughout the outfield deck area.
“I think guys are excited, and rightfully so,” manager Kevin Cash commented regarding the team’s anticipated return. “Our organization has worked incredibly hard and the city and the county, to get it back up to speed. I briefly walked through there, couldn’t be more impressed with the way it looks, and excited to see our fans. I think our guys are going to appreciate just having our fans in the building, cheering us on for our opening day.”
This sellout represents the franchise’s 20th straight home opener with maximum attendance, not counting 2020 when coronavirus restrictions prevented fan attendance.
Relief pitcher Griffin Jax, who became a Ray last July, expressed enthusiasm about the return. “I’m just really excited to get back in the Trop,” Jax stated. “I always enjoy going there as a visitor. It’ll be cool to see all the new renovations and upgrades they made along the way. We’ve seen it a handful of times walking through and seeing pictures and stuff. It looks great. It’ll be good to be back in our home.”
Following a full season at the smaller minor league facility, players are eager to return to major league-caliber amenities and accommodations.
“It was difficult,” Jax reflected on the temporary arrangement at Steinbrenner Field. “I don’t think anybody expects to play in a situation like that. It’s just one of those things you have to make any adjustment you can and get ready to play because there is still baseball to be played that night. The situation isn’t great. The environment wasn’t awesome, but it’s still baseball. You just have to roll with it. I was only there for two months. Shout out to all these guys who were there for an entire year because it was not ideal.”
Despite the substantial investment in repairs, Tropicana Field may not remain the Rays’ permanent home much longer. The team’s lease extends through at least 2028, but new ownership is actively pursuing construction of a replacement stadium in Tampa, positioned near the Yankees’ spring training complex and adjacent to Raymond James Stadium, where the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers play.
