Repairs to Tampa Bay Rays’ Tropicana Discipline from Hurricane Milton put at $55.7 million

Nov. 12 (UPI) — It’ll price $55.7 million to restore Tropicana Discipline, residence to the MLB Tampa Bay Rays, in time for the 2026 residence opener, St. Petersburg, Fla., metropolis officers stated Tuesday.

A damage assessment report issued to the St. Petersburg Metropolis Council stated it could 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 Discipline in time for the 2026 Main League Baseball season.

The associated prices embody design, allowing, inspection, staffing, insurance coverage and building prices.

Changing the roof on Tropicana Discipline is the most expensive merchandise at an estimated $23.6 million.

Insurance coverage seemingly will offset some or probably many of the restore prices, however potential deductibles and different components are but to be decided, the report stated.

Hennessy Building Companies compiled the Tropicana Discipline repairs-cost evaluation and stated the “main construction is serviceable and able to supporting a alternative pressure membrane material roof.”

The report signifies three-fourths of the roof’s material panels are lacking and particulars storm and water injury to Tropicana Discipline.

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 Discipline might 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 Fuel Plant District revitalization challenge that would come with reasonably priced housing, a Black historical past museum, eating places and bars. That opening might be delayed due to issues associated to repairs of the present stadium.

The injury evaluation suggests it could be attainable for the Rays to play three extra seasons at Tropicana Discipline, St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch advised the Tampa Bay Times.

He stated the estimated repairs are “on the lower-cost aspect” and town is obligated to offer the Rays with an appropriate taking part in area.

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