Repairs to Tropicana Field are expected to cost $55 million, according to the report

PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. – Deep within the 412-page assessment report for Tropicana Field, there appear to be two main points.

First, the necessary repairs can be made in time for the Rays’ 2026 season.

And what matters most to Rays officials, fans and St. Petersburg city leaders is the price: just over $55 million.

The report prepared by Hennessy Construction Services and submitted to the City Council on Tuesday shows that Hurricane Milton caused about $39 million worth of damage to Tropicana Field, which was completed in 1990. Repairs to the roof alone will cost $23.6 million.

Another $16 million would cover additional costs.

Milton’s winds of over 100 miles per hour tore through the Trop’s fabric roof on October 9th. All but six of the stadium’s 24 roof panels were destroyed.

Nevertheless, the study concluded that the primary structure is operational and capable of supporting a replacement tension membrane fabric roof.

But at what cost? And since the Rays will be moving to a new facility at the same location for the 2028 season, is it worth spending millions just to tear everything down in a few years?

These questions now lie with the city council.

According to the Tampa Bay Times, the city is the landlord and is responsible for repairs to the stadium and has already filed an insurance claim. The city’s policy includes a $22 million deductible and $25 million in coverage, which was reduced from $100 million in March, saving the city $275,000 in premium payments.

The St. Petersburg City Council voted Oct. 31 to spend nearly $6.5 million to contract with companies to remove the remnants of the roof and damaged turf and protect them from further damage, including the Sealing of areas such as seating areas, press box, etc. scoreboard.

Meanwhile, the Rays are looking for a temporary venue, at least for 2025.

Minor league stadiums in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, as well as Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex and the Rays’ minor league facility in Charlotte County, were all mentioned.