Construction crew installs safety netting at Tropicana Field in preparation for roof repairs.
St. Petersburg is initiating significant repairs to Tropicana Field, focusing on a new hurricane-resistant roof damaged by Hurricane Milton. The project, with a budget of $22.5 million for the roof replacement, is expected to be completed by April 2026. Additionally, there are ongoing discussions regarding the future of the Tampa Bay Rays amid rumors of ownership change and a possible relocation of the team following failed stadium proposals. The new roof aims to withstand winds up to 165 mph, ensuring the stadium’s resilience against future storms.
St. Petersburg has commenced preparations for the next phase of major repairs to Tropicana Field, focusing on the installation of a new roof, which suffered extensive damage due to Hurricane Milton last year. A specialized roof installation crew is currently setting up safety netting and fencing around the stadium to ensure a secure work environment as ground penetrating radar technology is utilized to guarantee stable crane placement for the roof repairs.
The City of St. Pete has outlined a comprehensive timeline for the roof repair, which marks the mobilization phase preceding installation. The actual roof installation is set to begin next month, with expectations for its completion by December 2025. Following the roof’s completion, the project will further transition to the installation of new turf and significant interior work. Completion of the entire repair project is anticipated by April 2026.
The St. Pete City Council approved a budget of $22.5 million specifically allocated for the roof replacement, along with other essential repairs to the stadium’s infrastructure. However, the full cost of renovating Tropicana Field is projected to rise to approximately $56 million. Future council decisions will be necessary to address any additional costs associated with the repairs.
Despite these ongoing repairs, the future of the Tampa Bay Rays remains uncertain. The team is set to play their 2025 season at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, thanks to a temporary one-year extension that allows the Rays to return to Tropicana Field after the roof repairs are completed. The current contractual agreement mandates that the team must remain at Tropicana Field until 2028.
Rumors surrounding the team also hint at a potential ownership change. Reports indicate that Rays owner Stu Sternberg is nearing a sale to developer Patrick Zalupski, who expresses a preference to relocate the team to Tampa. This transition of ownership comes on the heels of a failed proposal for a new stadium in St. Pete, which collapsed in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton.
The new roof being installed at Tropicana Field will feature an advanced membrane system sourced from Germany and assembled in China. Designed to endure hurricane winds up to 165 mph, the roof aims to reinforce the stadium’s resilience against future storms.
City council members have voiced concerns regarding the allocation of funds for hurricane recovery compared to repairs for sports facilities, citing the necessity of adhering to contractual obligations regarding the stadium. As the timeline for repairs and renovations continues, discussions and votes regarding supplemental funding for Tropicana Field remain important to the project’s ongoing management.
While the immediate focus lies on the critical infrastructure repairs, the backdrop of the Rays’ potential relocation and ownership change looms, creating an added layer of complexity to the future of Tropicana Field and professional baseball in St. Petersburg.
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