Fans wait to go into Tropicana Field // Chris Young, WMNF News 4/6/2026
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The Tampa Bay Rays are back in St. Petersburg for their home opener Monday.
They are playing at Tropicana Field for the first time since Hurricane Milton damaged the stadium in 2024.
The Tampa Bay Rays are back at the Trop after playing at Steinbrenner Field, the outdoor Yankees spring training facility in Tampa.
Tailgater Mike Versnik says he’s happy the Rays are back at the Trop.
“I did not, I did not make it to Steinbrenner. It was a little hot, little warm, little muggy for me. So I was waiting to get back to the Trop,” Versnik told WMNF.
The stadium’s new renovations cost 60 million dollars, including the new roof as well as an upgraded video board and luxury suites.
This comes as talks proceed to move the Rays permanently to Tampa, on Hillsborough College’s Dale Mabry Campus.
Lori Price has been a Rays fan for 10 years.
“We’re season members, and it’s opening day, and it’s a brand new Trop since the hurricane, we’re so excited!” Price told WMNF.
But she says that may change.
“I will be a Tampa Rays fan as long as they stay in St. Pete. The minute they move, I’m sorry, the minute they move, yeah, that will be the end of my season membership.” Price said.
The team says the home opener was a sellout.