News Summary
St. Petersburg has initiated substantial roof repairs on Tropicana Field, home to the Tampa Bay Rays, as part of a $23 million restoration project. The work begins with the installation of new roof panels, expected to be completed by December 2025. Approved by the City Council, the funding supports the essential design and installation of a new PTFE roof. Additional interior repairs and improvements are projected for completion by April 2026, amid a backdrop of ongoing discussions regarding the Rays’ future stadium plans.
St. Petersburg has begun significant roof repairs on Tropicana Field, home to the Tampa Bay Rays, as part of a $23 million restoration initiative. The project is officially underway with the installation of the first of 24 new roof panels. The city anticipates completing these roof repairs by the end of December 2025, marking a key milestone in the city’s commitment to restore the stadium following damage incurred during Hurricane Milton in October 2024.
The St. Petersburg City Council approved the resolutions necessary to commence repairs on April 3, 2025. This funding package covers the entire process, including the design, fabrication, delivery, and installation of a new PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) roof membrane, which is essential for the stadium’s functionality and protection.
In addition to addressing the roof, further repairs are planned for the stadium’s interior and turf installation, which are expected to be completed by April 2026. The decision to refurbish the Tropicana Field comes in light of the Rays’ existing lease, which obliges them to play at the stadium for the next three seasons. This lease is separate from ongoing discussions regarding the team’s future ballpark options.
In December 2024, the city council had authorized a design-build agreement to initiate the project’s pre-construction phase. Following this, a new ownership group, led by Patrick Zalupski, acquired the Tampa Bay Rays for $1.7 billion and has begun exploring plans for a new ballpark that may feature a dome and approximately 100 acres dedicated to amenities, projected to open in 2029.
Recently, the Rays faced challenges playing at an alternate venue—Tampa’s George M. Steinbrenner Field—due to the damage at Tropicana Field, resulting in a notable 41% drop in attendance. The repairs to the roof, however, have seen costs rise steeply, escalating from an initial estimate of $55.7 million to over $60 million. More than $7.6 million has already been received from insurance in advance payments, aiding in funding the repairs.
Alongside the roof project, St. Petersburg has authorized an additional $15.7 million dedicated to non-roof repairs. These include restoring infrastructure such as dugouts, seating, concession stands, scoreboards, and video/audio systems, all vital for enhancing the overall spectator experience at Tropicana Field.
City officials emphasized the importance of proceeding with these repairs, as St. Petersburg has a contractual obligation to the stadium regardless of the Rays’ future plans. As the roof work progresses without anticipated weather-related delays, further proposals for additional repairs are expected to be presented to the city council in the near future, indicating a continuous commitment to maintaining the stadium.
With the success of the current projects, St. Petersburg not only aims to revitalize Tropicana Field for the Tampa Bay Rays but also to ensure a quality venue for fans in the coming years.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Damon Greene Launches Exclusive Buyer Representation for Townhomes
St. Petersburg Mayor to Discuss Recovery Progress Post Hurricane Helene
Tampa Bay Rays Sale Approved by MLB Owners
University Hosts Screening of Documentary on Gas Plant District Displacement
St. Petersburg Secures $160 Million for Disaster Recovery
University Community Supports Professor After Hurricane Helene
Shore Acres Residents Face Challenges in Hurricane Recovery
Negotiations for the Tampa Bay Rays Continue Amid Deal Termination
St. Petersburg City Council Approves $16 Million for Tropicana Field Repairs
St. Petersburg City Council Approves Funding for Tropicana Field Repairs
Additional Resources
- TBN Weekly
- ESPN
- St. Pete Catalyst
- Front Office Sports
- FOX 13 News
- Wikipedia: Tropicana Field
- Google Search: Tropicana Field repairs
- Google Scholar: Tropicana Field St. Petersburg
- Encyclopedia Britannica: St. Petersburg, Florida
- Google News: Tropicana Field repairs
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
