Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Tropicana Field Damage Forces Rays to Seek Temporary Home for 2025 Season

Hurricane Milton's destruction leaves the Tampa Bay Rays' stadium unfit for their March 27 opener, prompting a search for alternative venues.

The roof of Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays MLB team, was torn off by Hurricane Milton's powerful winds. Satellite imagery from Maxar shows the destruction on Oct. 10, 2024. Prior to landfall, the stadium was converted into a base camp for emergency responders.
Image
Tampa Bay Rays Durham Bulls Athletic Park
Image

Overview

  • The roof of Tropicana Field was severely damaged by Hurricane Milton, rendering it unusable for the start of the 2025 MLB season.
  • The Tampa Bay Rays are exploring multiple temporary locations, including local spring training venues and out-of-state options, to host home games.
  • The team's new stadium in St. Petersburg is scheduled to open in 2028, complicating decisions about extensive repairs to Tropicana Field.
  • Safety concerns have limited access to the stadium, with significant structural assessments needed to understand the full extent of the damage.
  • The city of St. Petersburg, responsible for the repairs, will rely on insurance to cover the costs, though the process is expected to be complex.