After months of repairs, Tropicana Field is getting ready to welcome Tampa Bay Rays fans again. The City of St. Petersburg provided a progress update for area media Friday.
According to city development managing director Beth Herendeen, renovations are expected to be completed in time for the team’s first home game – scheduled for April 6. The project is on budget as well.
Currently, artificial turf is being installed on the field. Additionally, clubhouse and locker room improvements are underway. Construction crew members are also placing in new drywall and repainting areas of the building.
After Hurricane Milton severely damaged the stadium’s roof in 2024, the Rays were required to play the 2025 season at George M. Steinbrenner Field, the New York Yankees’ spring training home in Tampa.
The St. Petersburg City Council allocated $59.7 million for the repair initiative. Herendeen added that the project could still come under budget.
Additionally, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved a $16.5 million reimbursement. The city insurance provider offered $10.8 million and the state is expected to contribute $2.75 million as well.
Restoring the roof was the first step in the process. Contractors began to install 24 panels in August. Interior work could not start until the field was mostly covered, she explained.
While the new roof was made from a similar Teflon-coded fiberglass fabric, the manufacturing of the material has “improved over time,” Herendeen said. It was also engineered based on the latest hurricane standards.
Tropicana Field’s roof was completed in late November.
The City began to work inside the facility around November. Other aspects of the project that have been completed so far include installing the baseball netting and lighting and audio systems. Additionally, some new seating and flooring have been added.
She credited partners Hennessy Construction Services and AECOM Hunt for organizing the various trade groups that collaborated on the endeavor. At one point, approximately 350 crew members were working on the premises daily.
One of the challenges in the process was product delays due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. However, the City has been able to stay on schedule.
The Rays organization will begin to take over security of Tropicana Field March 1. Herendeen anticipates that the renovation project will be completed by the end of that month.
“Contractually, we were obligated to make it playable for baseball again,” she said. “The Rays have opted to do additional work in the suites and other guest areas.”
Crew members have been completing day shifts only. However, some last minute tasks may require 24/7 work prior to reopening the stadium to the public.
“I can’t stress how grateful we are for all of the contractors, tradespeople and everyone who has come together to make this happen,” Herendeeen added. “It’s been a giant effort by a lot of people.”
