The fallout of Hurricane Milton’s destruction to the Tampa community continues for the Rays.
Given the extensive damage to the team’s home Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla., which saw its roof get shredded by the monster Category 3 storm, The Tampa Bay Times reported Tuesday the venue will unlikely be ready for the start of the 2025 MLB season on March 27 and outlined potential options for the AL East club to explore.
“Over the coming days and weeks, we expect to be able to assess the true condition of Tropicana Field,” the organization said in a statement on Oct. 10.
“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.”
In addition to the roof, which was installed in 1990, the Tampa Bay Times reported “there are indications of extensive damage elsewhere,” specifically “some team offices on the fourth floor, which had drop ceilings under the overall roof, are now open to the elements.”
Building access has also been narrowed “due to safety concerns.”
Among the most pressing matters the Rays have to address is whether the team is looking at a short-term or long-term alternative.
Weather, location and scheduling conflicts would be among the variables to be weighed.
While spring training facilities such as Tampa’s Steinbrenner Field and BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater have local appeal, they are without roofs, which opens the door to possible weather delays. Upgrades would also be needed to host regular-season games, per the report.
Charlotte Sports Park, the Rays’ spring facility in Port Charlotte, Fla., and Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista were also highlighted as possibilities but pose similar drawbacks.
The report also illustrated the possibility of the Rays competing outside of the Sunshine State in North Carolina, where their Triple-A team is based, as there are scheduling conflicts aplenty with nearby option LoanDepot Park, home of the Miami Marlins.
The Rays have called Tropicana Field home since 1998.
They’re set to relocate to a new venue ahead of the 2028 season.
Tropicana Field was being used as a shelter for first responders before Milton’s extensive impact.
