The Federal Emergency Management Agency has earmarked $16.5 million for repairs to the hurricane-damaged Tropicana Field.
St. Petersburg Assistant City Administrator Tom Greene let City Council members know in an email Feb. 10 about the expected reimbursement, calling it “an extremely promising step in the process.” He said the $16.5 million is based on estimated costs to date, less any insurance collected.
Greene attached to his email a press release from FEMA dated Jan. 30 touting a $480 million federal package to support more than 500 disaster recovery projects throughout the state. Funding for the Trop is specifically mentioned.
“We have long indicated that we are aggressively completing all the necessary work to best position the city to secure reimbursements for the repairs to Tropicana Field,” Greene wrote, “and this is evidence that our work is paying off.”
He said, however, that it is difficult to estimate when the actual payment will be made, as repairs to the Trop are ongoing. Turf installation is expected to be completed this week, with all repairs expected to be done in time for opening day on April 6.
Hurricane Milton in October 2024 tore the Trop’s roof off, rendering it unplayable. The Rays spent their 2025 season at the spring training home of their division rival New York Yankees: Steinbrenner Field in Tampa.
Because the dome was out of order for one year, the team’s time at the Trop was extended by one year. The Rays are expected to play there through the 2028 season.
St. Petersburg also expects to receive a $2.75 million contribution from the state based on how costs are split between the federal and state governments. According to FEMA’s announcement, federal funds are distributed to the state through the Public Assistance program, which is state-managed.
Greene noted that to date, the city has received $10.8 million in insurance proceeds for the Trop. As of Dec. 3, the council has approved $59.7 million for repairs. The total amount billed through Dec. 31 for remediation, repairs and security is $34.2 million, according to the city.
St. Petersburg is contractually obligated to repair the Trop. The Tampa Bay Rays, under new ownership, have spent their own money to repair team offices, enhance the sound system, upgrade suites, add a new video board and premium seating areas, and expand The Porch social area in centerfield.