Dive Brief:
- Repairing the roof of Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, before the start of the 2026 season would cost $55.7 million, according to a report from the city obtained by AP News.
- The roof of the home of the MLB’s Tampa Bay Rays was torn apart when Hurricane Milton landed in the region on Oct. 9, ripping off 18 of the 24 fabric panels atop the venue, AP reported. The storm also damaged interior parts of the arena.
- The stadium is scheduled for demolition once a new $1.3 billion ballpark opens for the 2028 season. With the many costs that the city — which owns the stadium — and Pinellas County have incurred from two hurricanes this fall, the municipalities may reconsider plans or decide not to repair The Trop, AP News reported.
Dive Insight:
The venue’s roof was built to withstand winds of up to 115 mph, according to the team’s media guide.
A 412-page report released Nov. 12 by St. Petersburg-based Hennessy Construction Services found that the structure of the dome “does not appear to have been adversely affected” per AP News. The primary structure remains serviceable and capable of supporting a new fabric roof, the report found.
Nonetheless, spending cash on the fix may not be high on the to-do list. The city’s insurance on the damages includes a $22 million deductible, so it would only cover part of the overall repair costs, per AP News.
“We have so much need across the city,” Brandi Gabbard, city counselor, said at a meeting, per AP News. “I love the Rays. I love Tropicana Field. It’s not about not wanting to do this. It’s about a balance of priorities.”
Indeed, a construction crane collapsed in the high winds of Milton, leaving a gaping hole in an office building in downtown St. Petersburg that houses many companies, including the Tampa Bay Times. Crews promptly removed the crane after the storm, according to the Tampa Bay Business Journal.
As for the team’s future home, the U.S. arm of Sweden-based Skanska announced it would serve as the owner’s representative on the $6.5 billion redevelopment of the Historic Gas Plant property in St. Petersburg. The builder and developer will also serve as the owner’s representative for the design and construction of the Rays’ new stadium as part of the development.
