St. Pete leaders approve funds to begin process of fixing Tropicana Field roof after Hurricane Milton damage

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The future of the Tampa Bay Rays took another step forward. St. Petersburg city leaders unanimously voted Thursday to approve funds to begin the process of fixing the Tropicana Field roof after it was damaged during Hurricane Milton.

St. Pete City Council agreed to the first step in roof repairs for the Trop. They are agreeing to pay about $1.4 million for a company to draw up plans for how to do that work.

During the meeting, council members heard details about lighting, materials and acoustics needed for Tropicana Field. The city has worried the costs of repairs might not be worth it since the team is trying to build a new stadium in a few years, especially after the Rays agreed to play next season in Tampa at Steinbrenner Field.

St. Pete's council wanted to move forward with the vote because saying yes to the repairs satisfies their use agreement, but they also wanted to look at other paths forward.

City leaders, Pinellas County and the Rays have all been at odds over the future of the franchise and a new stadium deal. While the city has already approved a plan to fund the new stadium, Pinellas County commissioners will vote on their portion of the funding next week.

2025 season plans and beyond

Rays plan for Steinbrenner Field

Evan Axelbankreports.

As far as 2025 goes, the Rays will play at Steinbrenner Field while they wait for repairs to Tropicana Field. Plans started to unfold earlier this week after the team released a 42-bullet point document, detailing what the Rays can and can't do as part of their tenancy at the Yankees spring training facility in Tampa.

But, it is highly likely the Steinbrenner Field arrangement will only cover the 2025 season. When it comes to the future of where the Rays will play while the Trop is being fixed, those discussions are still underway.

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Original reports had brought up the possibility of the Rays playing at a stadium in Omaha, Nebraska, but FOX 13 learned those talks were premature. Pinellas County commissioners have also been focused on getting the team back in their county as soon as possible.

Several sources said other local options are still being considered for what happens beyond the 2025 season.

As far as their time at Steinbrenner Field, the Rays will be responsible for making improvements to the facility to make it Major League ready in the camera wells, press boxes and other game day facilities.

It's not clear as to where the Rays will play postseason games should they make the playoffs. The document said that is still up in the air.

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