Rays assess hurricane damage at Tropicana field

The Rays released a statement on X today after Hurricane Milton hit the Tampa and St. Petersburg areas. “In recent weeks, our beloved city, region and state have been struck by Hurricanes Helene and Milton,” the statement said. “We are devastated by the harm that has been caused to so many. Our priority is supporting our community and our employees. We are fortunate and grateful that no one was injured by the damage to our ballpark last night. We expect to be able to assess the actual condition of Tropicana Field in the coming days and weeks. In the meantime, we are working with law enforcement to secure the building. We ask for your patience during this time and encourage those who can to donate to organizations in our community that are helping those directly impacted by these storms.”

Of course, a sports stadium isn't the top priority in a tragedy of this magnitude, but it's still a story with relevance to Major League Baseball that could impact the upcoming season. Drone footage captured by Ryan Bass of Bally Sports Florida

According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, club officials have begun assessing the damage. Topkin points out that the stadium was built without a drainage system due to the roof. This means that water damage is a problem as long as the roof is damaged and the field is exposed to the elements.

The Rays plan to open a new stadium adjacent to the Tropicana site, but not until the 2028 season. Therefore, they must evaluate the Trop's playability for the 2025 to 2027 seasons. They are scheduled to open the upcoming campaign at home on March 27, hosting three games each against the Rockies and then the Pirates.

As Topkin noted, the Rays could potentially move to another location temporarily if necessary. He cites the example of the Blue Jays, who were unable to travel to Toronto at the height of the pandemic due to travel restrictions in 2020 and 2021. During this time, the Jays played at their minor league facilities in Dunedin and later Buffalo.

Of course, whether the Rays have to take a similar path or can return to the Trop by Opening Day 2025 depends on the severity of the damage and when it can be repaired. The club will no doubt provide further updates in the coming days and weeks.