St. Petersburg leaders say Tropicana Field is ready for the Rays’ home opener after months of work and millions of dollars.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — After months of repairs and tens of millions of dollars in work, Tropicana Field is ready for baseball.

St. Petersburg City Council approved a contract amendment Thursday tied to final cleanup inside the stadium, as crews wrap up preparations ahead of the Tampa Bay Rays’ home opener on April 6.

“The facility will be ready for Opening Day, is ready, the city’s work is substantially complete,” said Beth Herendeen, Managing Director of City Development Administration for the city of St. Petersburg. 

The approved measure reallocates just under $26,000 for additional sanitization services performed after mechanical systems were restored. The funding comes from savings in other areas and does not increase the overall project budget.

“Today I’m asking for a second amendment for just under $26,000 just for some cleaning they did once the mechanical systems came on,” Herendeen said. “It’s not extra money. We’re just taking some of those funds, so it’s not added to the budget.”

The amendment brings the total contract with BMS CAT, the company handling remediation and cleaning, to nearly $5.7 million.

Overall, the total caost restore and prepare Tropicana Field for the 2026 season is projected to be about $57.7 million.

To offset those expenses, the city has received $10.8 million from insurance. An additional $16.5 million has been obligated through FEMA, and about $2.75 million is expected from the state.

Council members didn’t focus on price Thursday, though, and instead praised the work completed in time for the season.

“I can’t believe we did it. Not we. You got it done,” Councilwoman Gina Driscoll said.

Leaders also pointed to improvements aimed at enhancing the fan experience.

“Seeing it last week, the new ownership has put in some work too to make it a better fan experience,” Driscoll added.

Officials emphasized the importance of maintaining the stadium regardless of the team’s long-term future.

“This is a city-owned asset we have to protect and preserve regardless of what happens for the future of baseball,” Councilman Corey Givens said.

With Opening Day approaching, the focus now shifts from construction to welcoming fans back.