GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) – On this installment of Florida Man Adventures we are here in St. Pete at the newly renovated Tropicana Field. Let\u2019s see what the Rays are up too, let\u2019s check it out.<\/p>\n
Tropicana Field has reopened once again and they are ready to play ball. In October of 2024 Hurricane Milton made landfall, and the field had some major damage. The resulting rebuild started almost immediately but staff were happy to bring the Rays back home.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell it took a lot, I mean it took a lot of people and a lot of time to get it done but there was a big push there towards the end there. But it was just incredible how much work it took how much work they had to get done and they made it happen by opening day,\u201d said Dan Moeller, director of field operations at Tropicana Field.<\/p>\n
After fixing the roof staff began improving all the fan areas with new grab and go food court, great new foods and drinks, a speak easy, and even a candy shop for your seventh inning sweet tooth.<\/p>\n
They definitely made some new improvements around the facility. I\u2019m more on the field end but the have made improvements did some work on the video board, and put up some other ribbon boards and the sign behind home plate here. So they made some nice upgrades including the suites and some of the clubs. Fans are super excited to be back at the TROP, and are lining up early to take in all the new improvements. Riverside Community came out in force to cheer for Mike and Kathy as they plan to throw out the games first pitch. \u201cGO RAYS\u201d The new roof allows more light in then ever, and the air conditioning is the perfect way to beat the Florida heat.<\/p>\n
\u201cBetween the weather and having air conditioning inside it is awesome, it is exciting to be back in the house. A year ago I wasn\u2019t sure if it was going to happen or not, but it did and it is great to be back,\u201d said Moeller<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is incredible really I was last here in August two years ago, didn\u2019t go to Steinbrenner at all because I wasn\u2019t interested in sitting in the heat all day. But the whole Trop is just fun to walk around the republic room is great it is just a great place,\u201d said Jon Garvey, Tampa Bay Rays superfan. <\/p>\n
So that\u2019s what we did we checked out all the new club areas and super nice suites. We even stopped by the Cow-nose clubhouse the touch some Rays for good luck. Finally we got to see the brand new field, and it is looking good like the first day of school fresh.<\/p>\n
But on the field side all brand new turf and brand-new clay, all new nets, all new wall pads. We did extend the nets down to the foul poles. Everything is brand new in here it took a lot of work to get it here but my staff did a great job and we made it happen. It is a new day at Tropicana Field and the Rays are shining bright.<\/p>\n
For more information on Tropicana Field and the Rays click here. For TV20 News, I\u2019m Adam Pittman, and this has been Florida Man Adventures.<\/p>\n