St. Petersburg Faces $55 Million Decision on Tropicana Field Repairs

City officials must decide whether to repair the stadium for short-term use or risk financial penalties under the existing agreement with the Rays.

The damage assessment report estimates Hurricane Milton caused $39 million in damage to Tropicana Field, with total repair costs reaching $55.7 million.
Repairing the stadium would allow the Rays to play there for the 2026 season, potentially extending its use until a new stadium opens in 2028 or 2029.
St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch views the repair costs as manageable and necessary to fulfill the city's obligations to the team.
Concerns remain about the financial implications of not repairing the stadium, including possible relocation of the Rays and penalties under the current use agreement.
Pinellas County's commitment to funding a new stadium is uncertain, with upcoming votes potentially influenced by the recent hurricanes and changes in local government.