The Tropicana roof repairs could be finished by the Rays' 2026 season, and the MLB team will need a temporary home for the 2025 season.

In October, Hurricane Milton caused destruction in Florida, with Tropicana Field, the Tampa Bay Rays' home stadium for 26 seasons, sustaining significant damage upon impact.

The roof of the domed baseball stadium in St. Petersburg will need to be replaced, according to an assessment report. The report, sent to city council members on Tuesday, includes a timeline and budget for repairs. Tropicana Field, located in St. Petersburg, is not within Tampa's city limits and is owned by the neighboring city.

The estimated cost of repairs, according to the damage assessment report, is $55.7 million and they could be completed before the start of the Rays' 2026 regular season.

Although the report did not include a comprehensive list of items to be repaired, it estimated that Hurricane Milton caused approximately $39 million in damage. Additionally, the report factored in an additional $16 million in costs for design, permitting, insurance, inspection, staffing, and construction contingencies. The report indicated that replacing the roof would account for approximately $23.6 million of the total bill.

On October 9th, 18 out of the ballpark's 24 fabric panels failed, according to a report. Additionally, there was damage to the interior of the stadium due to rainwater and other storm-related causes. The ballpark, which opened in 1990 and has been the Rays' home since their inception in 1998, has experienced issues.

St. Petersburg initially proposed constructing a new $1.3 billion stadium, with Tropicana Field being demolished once the new ballpark is ready. However, due to unforeseen costs from two hurricanes, including debris removal and damage to parks and infrastructure, two of the primary funding sources for the new ballpark may reconsider their plans or decide not to repair Tropicana Field at all.

The report will be discussed by the St. Petersburg City Council at its meeting on Nov. 21.

"Council member Brandi Gabbard stated at a meeting last week that there is a great need across the city. She added, "I love the Rays and Tropicana Field, but it's about finding a balance of priorities.""

The council has sanctioned $6.5 million to safeguard the ballpark and repair any waterproofing issues, such as those in the press box, seating sections, and scoreboard.

The city has an insurance claim for the damage and repairs, but with a $22 million deductible, it may only cover a portion of the overall costs, requiring taxpayer dollars to be used.

St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch stated that the city expects insurance and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds to cover most of the repair costs. "It is crucial for our community that our hometown team plays in St. Petersburg as soon as possible," Welch said in a statement.

The Rays will need to find a new location to play next year as the ballpark undergoing damage and repair assessments will not be ready until the 2026 season.

Major League Baseball recommends that the Rays remain in the vicinity of their fanbase if possible, with several Tampa Bay-area spring training sites suggested. These include ballparks in Clearwater (Phillies), Tampa (Yankees), Dunedin (Blue Jays), Sarasota (Orioles), Lakeland (Tigers), and the Rays' own spring training home in Port Charlotte. Most of these locations host minor league teams during the summer.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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