TAMPA, Fla. — The renovation of Tropicana Field is progressing rapidly as the Tampa Bay Rays prepare for their anticipated return on April 6, 2025. Following the installation of the final panel of the new roof on November 20, focus has shifted to interior enhancements, including the clubhouses, playing field, and fan areas.
The stadium sustained significant damage due to Hurricane Milton in early October 2024, rendering it unplayable for the 2025 season. As a result, the Rays played at Steinbrenner Field, the spring training home of the New York Yankees, throughout the past season. On Wednesday, city officials provided media with a look inside the facility, which is now abuzz with construction activity.
“We’re confident this is going to get done and get done right,”
stated city architect Raul Quintana. Workers are busy installing drywall, securing seats, replacing electrical panels, and adjusting lighting. The city has allocated $59.7 million for the repairs, with insurance covering $7.65 million thus far. Discussions with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) about potential reimbursement are ongoing.
The Rays are also planning upgrades, including a new video board and sound system. They aim to enhance premium seating and revamp the Porch social area in center field. CEO Ken Babby expressed enthusiasm about the renovations, stating that Tropicana Field, which opened in 1990 and became the Rays’ home in 1998, will look better than ever.
Manager Kevin Cash emphasized the team’s eagerness to return to the renovated stadium. He noted that the repairs would not only restore the facility but also allow for new ideas and improvements that enhance the overall experience.
The city, as the landlord, is responsible for the repairs, and the completion timeline is viewed positively by officials. The Rays currently hold a lease for Tropicana Field through 2028. Under new ownership, they are also exploring options for a new stadium, likely as part of a larger entertainment, retail, and housing project on the Tampa side of the bridges, projected to open in 2029. Should that initiative not materialize, extending their lease at Tropicana Field remains a possibility.
As the renovation progresses, the excitement builds not only among the team but also within the local community, eager to welcome the Rays back to their home turf.
