Tropicana Area’s destroyed roof is pictured on Oct. 10 and a day after Hurricane Milton made landfall on the west coast of Florida. Picture by Christobal Herrera-Ulashkevich/EPA-EFE
Nov. 12 (UPI) — It is going to price $55.7 million to restore Tropicana Area, residence to the MLB Tampa Bay Rays, in time for the 2026 residence opener, St. Petersburg, Fla., metropolis officers mentioned Tuesday.
A damage assessment report issued to the St. Petersburg Metropolis Council mentioned it will price $39 million to restore most, however not all injury, attributable to Hurricane Milton and one other $16 million for associated prices to open Tropicana Area in time for the 2026 Main League Baseball season.
The associated prices embody design, allowing, inspection, staffing, insurance coverage and development prices.
Changing the roof on Tropicana Area is the most expensive merchandise at an estimated $23.6 million.
Insurance coverage possible will offset some or probably a lot of the restore prices, however potential deductibles and different components are but to be decided, the report mentioned.
Hennessy Building Companies compiled the Tropicana Area repairs-cost evaluation and mentioned the “major construction is serviceable and able to supporting a alternative rigidity membrane material roof.”
The report signifies three-fourths of the roof’s material panels are lacking and particulars storm and water injury to Tropicana Area. The St. Petersburg Metropolis Council recently authorized spending $6.5 million to put in waterproofing for the scoreboard, seats and press field and clear up particles from injury precipitated when Hurricane Milton made landfall on Oct. 9.
Main League Baseball officers have requested the Tampa Bay Rays to play at a facility close to the Tampa-St. Petersburg space till Tropicana Area could be reopened. A number of potential websites are into account for the 2025 season.
The Rays are also scheduled to maneuver to a brand new stadium in 2028 that’s a part of a $6.5 billion Historic Gasoline Plant District revitalization mission that would come with reasonably priced housing, a Black historical past museum, eating places and bars. That opening might be delayed due to problems associated to repairs of the present stadium.
The injury evaluation suggests it is perhaps doable for the Rays to play three extra seasons at Tropicana Area, St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch advised the Tampa Bay Times.
He mentioned the estimated repairs are “on the lower-cost facet” and the town is obligated to supply the Rays with an acceptable taking part in subject.
