Just hours after voting to finance repairs to Tropicana Field, the St. Petersburg City Council reversed course, leaving the Tampa Bay Rays searching for a solution.
The stadium, which suffered devastating damage when Hurricane Milton ripped off its fiberglass roof on October 9, now faces an uncertain future. The storm caused $55.7 million in damage, including extensive water damage inside the venue. According to city documents, the necessary repairs cannot be completed before the 2026 MLB season.
Initially, the council narrowly approved funding with a 4-3 vote. However, that decision was promptly reversed, leaving Tropicana Field’s restoration—and the Rays’ future—up in the air.
Rays Forced to Find Temporary Solutions
The Rays will now pay $15 million to use the New York Yankees’ spring training ballpark as their temporary home for regular-season games. This decision highlights the urgency of addressing the stadium’s issues as Tropicana Field’s future hangs in the balance.
The city’s initial vote focused solely on repairing the roof. Follow-up work—including replacing the baseball field, fixing damaged seating, and addressing electrical systems—would have required further approvals.
Concerns over the ballpark’s insurance coverage and potential Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance fueled opposition among some council members.
“This is a sad place. I’m really disappointed,” said Council Chair Deborah Figg-Sanders.
“We won’t get there if we keep finding ways we can’t.”
A Delayed New Stadium Adds to Uncertainty
The city’s decision comes on the heels of delays surrounding a proposed $1.3 billion new stadium for the Rays. Earlier in the week, the Pinellas County Commission postponed a critical vote on bonds for the project, and the council followed suit by delaying its own consideration of the stadium’s revenue bonds.
Rays Co-President Brian Auld expressed frustration over the lack of progress, stating, “I can’t say I’m confident about anything.”
Contractual Obligations and Potential Next Steps
Despite the reversal, some council members believe the city is legally obligated to repair Tropicana Field’s roof.
“I don’t see a way out of it. We have a contract that’s in place,” said council member Gina Driscoll. “We’re obligated to do it. We are going to fix the roof.”
Council member John Muhammad called for clarity, saying, “I’d like to pare it down and see exactly what we’re obligated to do.”
With the stadium repairs stalled, the Rays and city officials must now work together to develop an alternative plan. The team hopes to have Tropicana Field ready for the 2026 season while aiming to move into a new stadium by 2028—if funding is secured.
Rays Warn of Consequences
In a letter to the Pinellas County Commission, Rays executives outlined their commitment to the new stadium project, revealing they have already invested $50 million in preliminary work. However, delays in approving public funding have brought progress to a standstill.
“The Rays organization is saddened and stunned by this unfortunate turn of events,” wrote Co-Presidents Brian Auld and Matt Silverman. The letter also reminded officials that the overall project had already received prior approval from the County Commission and City of St. Petersburg.
Principal Owner Stuart Sternberg expressed concerns about the franchise’s future in the area. “less rosy than it was three weeks ago. We’re going to do all that we can, as we’ve tried for 20 years, to keep the Rays here for generations to come,” he said.
What’s Next for the Rays?
As the Rays face mounting uncertainty, fans and officials alike are left wondering whether Major League Baseball can maintain a foothold in Tampa Bay. For now, the team and city must find common ground to address Tropicana Field’s immediate needs while securing long-term stability for the franchise.
