Tropicana Field

WUSF’s Steve Newborn and Colleen Wright with the Tampa Bay Times discuss the latest twists and turns in the ongoing saga of Tropicana Field and the fate of the Rays.

The replacement roof panels should be installed by December, leaving the Rays a couple of months to finish up interior stadium repairs.

The city is obligated to make repairs. Once the roof is back, more damage must be addressed, but the work is expected to be done in time for the Rays to return to their longtime home next season.

Chris Steinocher, president of the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce, said the Rays' absence will affect the economy and community.

The Rays are hosting their first regular-season series in their temporary outdoor home with Tropicana Field out of service due to hurricane damage.

In an interview with Chris Russo on SiriusXM, commissioner Rob Manfred reiterated that "we believe in the market" and remains hopeful the Trop will be ready for the Rays in 2026.

For the first time in their 27-year history, the Rays will be playing home games outside. The Tampa ballpark will host the team's first pregame flyover — but could cause its first official rain delays.

Capacity at the Rays' temporary Tampa home will be just over 10,000, about 40% of Tropicana Field’s configuration of 25,025. Nevertheless, it's the 19th straight year the team has sold out the home opener.

In a matter of five days, workers are preparing the Yankees' spring training site to become the Rays' home for the 2025 season. The Rays say Friday's opener against Colorado is sold out.

There are several possible scenarios that could keep the team in the Tampa Bay area. Or they might seek greener fields elsewhere.

Gov. Ron DeSantis said the baseball team has made a lot of progress in building a fan base in the region. But he held up the success of hockey's Tampa Bay Lightning as an example to emulate.

St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch said he was not surprised, adding he still intends to repair Tropicana Field and move forward with the redevelopment of the Historic Gas Plant District.