Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays, sustained major damage as a result of Hurricane Milton, leaving many wondering: What's the plan for the 2025 season?
There are uncertainties that will need to be addressed by the club in the coming weeks, including how long the Rays will be displaced, will Tropicana be restored, and where games will be held in the upcoming regular season.
According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times , "the only thing that seems certain" is that the Rays "won't be able to open the 2025 Major League Baseball season at home as planned on March 27."
Tropicana will need to complete many steps before repairs can begin on the roof. The city of St. Petersburg is responsible for paying for repairs, and there is insurance that will help cover the costs.
"Over the coming days and weeks, we expect to be able to assess the true condition of Tropicana Field," the Rays said Thursday. "In the meantime, we are working with law enforcement to secure the building. We ask for your patience at this time, and we encourage those who can to donate to organizations in our community that are assisting those directly impacted by these storms."
The Rays 2025 season is set to begin at home on March 27 against the Colorado Rockies, which seems very unlikely to happen with just six months to go until opening day.
An interesting factor that may come in to play is that Tampa Bay is planning to open a new stadium near Tropicana Field in 2028. For now, the question remains as to where they will host games for the time being.
The roof was designed to withstand wind of up to 115 mph, according to the Rays. The stadium opened in 1990 at an initial cost $138 million and is set to be replaced in time for the 2028 season with a $1.3 billion ballpark.
With so many Spring Training facilities in the nearby area, it's not a stretch to think the Rays could play games there. The issue that comes with that is seating and accommodations for fans.
Seating and parking would become very limited if regular season games were moved to a minor league ballpark.
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