The aftermath of Hurricane Milton will keep the Tampa Bay Rays out of their home stadium during the start of the 2025 MLB season due to damage caused by the calamity.
Milton left a trail of destruction that caused severe damage to properties across Florida earlier this month. Among the landmarks affected by the Category 3 hurricane was Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg.
According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, damage to the stadium is still being assessed. However, it was clarified that the Rays would not be able to play in the building on Opening Day, scheduled for March 27.
After the hurricane, photographs were published of Milton’s severely defaced stadium roof.
Topkin also noted how some team offices suffered “extensive” damage.
Hurricane Milton’s distraction path left Tropicana Field’s roof severely damaged
Dome repair need will keep Rays out of stadium on opening night
It is still unclear where the team will play for the start of its 2025 campaign, as well as the length of its sublease while the stadium undergoes repairs, according to Topkin.
Playing in a nearby minor league stadium was presented as a viable option. However, the Rays would likely need to play in a stadium with a roof that most minor league parks lack.
If they decide to go that route, the Rays have a handful of options given the rich minor league scene in the region.
They can take their season opener to the Tampa Tarpons’ George M. Steinbrenner Field, the Clearwater Threshers’ BayCare Ballpark, the Dunedin Blue Jays’ TD Ballpark, the Bradenton Marauders’ LECOM Park or Joker Marchant Stadium, home of the Lakeland Flying Tigers. .
There is no timetable for how long Tampa Bay’s MLB team will be away from its home stadium.
The Rays finished the 2024 season with a record of 80-82 as the fourth seed in the American League East.
As more information is discovered about the status of their stadium, uncertainty surrounding their return to their residence is mounting for the Rays.
Tampa Bay finished the 2024 season with a record of 80-82 as the fourth-ranked team in the American League East.
The 25,025-seat stadium was built in 1998 and has hosted events in different sports, including football and professional wrestling.
