Rays now want Trop repaired for 2026 season

The Tampa Bay Rays have had a change of heart regarding St. Petersburg’s plans to repair a storm-damaged Tropicana Field.

Rays president Matt Silverman sought to “clear up any uncertainty” related to rebuilding the stadium, at least a $56 million project, in a Dec. 30 email to City Administrator Rob Gerdes. He noted the team previously considered accepting a cash settlement that would have negated St. Petersburg’s responsibility to repair the Trop.

Silverman said the Rays now “support and expect” the city’s plan to repair the aging facility under the terms of their current use agreement. He also stressed the importance of beginning the process as soon as possible.

“As I’m sure you can appreciate, there is a very significant difference for the Rays between the repairs being completed for Opening Day on the one hand and a completion date later in the season on the other,” Silverman wrote. “A partial 2026 season in Tropicana Field would present massive logistical and revenue challenges for the team.”

The letter constitutes a stark contrast from the team’s previously preferred path forward. The city council initially approved a $23.7 million contract to repair Tropicana Field’s dome – shredded during Hurricane Milton – at a Nov. 21 meeting.

However, Rays president Brian Auld said that felt like a “bad use of funds” because it would be “next to impossible” to repair the Trop in time for the 2026 season. Council members subsequently reversed their vote.

Hurricane Milton caused over $55 million in damage to Tropicana Field. Most stakeholders expect the cost to increase exponentially. Photo: Will Vragovic/Tampa Bay Rays.

Raul Quintana, city architect, showed the council a repair schedule with a completion date occurring by Major League Baseball’s (MLB) opening day in 2026 at a Dec. 12 meeting. Auld, in a prepared statement, said the presentation influenced the team’s decision.

“The City of St. Petersburg is planning to complete the Tropicana Field repairs in time for the 2026 season, and the Rays organization stands ready to support that effort,” Auld said.

Major League Baseball’s role

The use agreement with the team requires the city to provide an MLB-quality stadium. Council members unanimously approved two contracts totaling $1.66 million to begin the repair process at their Dec. 12 meeting.

Councilmember Richie Floyd, who voted against dedicating $23.7 million to the project, said the new phased approach was his “preferred path from the get-go.” Pinellas County Commissioners then belatedly authorized a bond sale Dec. 17 to finance their contribution to a new $1.37 billion ballpark that will anchor the Historic Gas Plant District’s $6.7 billion redevelopment.

Pinellas County Commissioner Chris Latvala previously disapproved of plans to build a new stadium. He credited December discussions with MLB leadership for his willingness to authorize the bond sale.

In his Dec. 30 email, Silverman noted MLB commissioner Rob Manfred advised the team that “it is at least possible that the stadium could be ready for opening day 2026.” The city council, with two new members, must approve additional repair contracts.

“The league and the Rays stand at the ready to work hand in hand with the city throughout the reconstruction process to make sure the design and implementation satisfy MLB requirements and meet the necessary deadlines,” Silverman said.

Tampa Bay Rays presidents Matt Silverman (left) and Brian Auld at a July 2024 event celebrating the Historic Gas Plant District redevelopment’s approval. Photo by Mark Parker.

Moving forward

Mayor Ken Welch has advocated for rebuilding the stadium since Milton ripped off its roof and exposed vulnerable equipment to the elements Oct. 9. In a Dec. 20 interview with the Catalyst, he said ongoing conversations with all parties, including Manfred, confirmed that remained the best path forward.

Welch said a repaired Trop would provide the team with much-needed revenue and keep the Rays in St. Petersburg. The team will spend its 2025 season at a minuscule minor league stadium in Tampa.

The Rays did not mention plans for the new ballpark or a sizable funding gap they have blamed on bond authorization delays in their email. However, Silverman acknowledged that the Trop’s use agreement, set to expire in 2027, would now extend through the 2028 season.

Welch’s administration said they appreciated the team “indicating their preference for the future of Tropicana Field” in a prepared statement sent Monday afternoon. “As with so many businesses in St. Petersburg, we are empathetic to business interruption faced by the Tampa Bay Rays due to the impacts of hurricanes.”

“We look forward to continuing to work with the Rays – through participation in a collaborative working group – and with the city council to return Major League Baseball games to St. Petersburg,” the statement continued. “Following a recent meeting with Rays owner Stu Sternberg, Mayor Welch – as he had previously made clear – intends to do all he can to fulfill the city’s obligations in relation to Major League Baseball.”

Silverman said the team would convene an internal committee and suggested the partners establish a working group with city personnel that meets at least once weekly “to discuss progress and implement key decisions.” He added that MLB plans to hire an independent advisor, who should participate in the consortium, to evaluate the timeline and monitor progress.

“We look forward to a grand reopening,” Silverman concluded.