ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The City Council of St. Petersburg made a significant decision on Thursday to allocate over $23 million for the reconstruction of the roof at Tropicana Field, which was severely damaged by Hurricane Milton. The initiative aims to ensure that the stadium, home to the Tampa Bay Rays, is ready for the upcoming 2026 season.

This decision follows a recent postponement by the Pinellas County Commission regarding the approval of revenue bonds essential for funding a new $1.3 billion stadium for the Rays. The delay raises concerns among team executives about the future of the project.

“I can’t say I’m confident about anything,” remarked Brian Auld, co-president of the Rays, as he addressed council members who were also preparing to vote on bonds related to the construction of the new ballpark.

The roof of Tropicana Field, known for its translucent fiberglass surface, was extensively damaged on October 9 when Hurricane Milton hit the area. In addition to the roof damage, city officials reported significant water damage within the stadium, leading to a total estimated repair cost of $55.7 million.

However, complete repairs will not be feasible before the start of the 2026 season, as indicated in city documents. Consequently, the Rays have come to an agreement with the New York Yankees to hold their games next season at Steinbrenner Field, an 11,000-seat facility used for Yankees’ spring training located across the bay in Tampa.

Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed that Major League Baseball is willing to give the Rays and local politicians time to navigate the post-hurricane challenges. Provided that the repairs to Tropicana Field are completed, the Rays are mandated to play there for an additional three seasons.

“We are committed to the fans in Tampa Bay,” stated Manfred during a recent owners’ meeting. “In light of everything that has occurred in that market, we’re concentrating on our franchise’s future in Tampa Bay.”

The Thursday vote specifically targeted the roof repairs; once completed, crews will have the ability to begin work on a new baseball field, repair seating areas, attend to office spaces, and modernize various electronic systems. Funding for the rest of the restoration will also require another vote.

The city previously allocated $6.5 million to avert further damage to the exposed Tropicana Field. Several council members emphasized before voting on the $23.7 million roof repair that there is a binding contract in place mandating these repairs.

“I don’t see a way out of it. We have a contract that’s in place,” remarked council member Gina Driscoll. “We’re obligated to do it. We will repair the roof.”

The council’s decision passed with a 4-3 vote. Those who voted against the measure expressed concerns regarding the lack of clarity about insurance coverage for the ballpark and potential funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Furthermore, they noted that many city residents are struggling to rebuild their own homes and businesses damaged by hurricanes Helene and Milton, raising questions about the use of taxpayer dollars on a sports facility.

“Why are we looking to expend so much money right away when there is so much uncertainty?” questioned council member Richie Floyd.

The new stadium for the Rays, which is now projected to potentially open in 2029, forms part of an extensive urban redevelopment initiative called the Historic Gas Plant District. This project relates to a predominantly Black neighborhood that was displaced to facilitate the construction of Tropicana Field and an adjacent interstate highway.

Encompassing a total investment of approximately $6.5 billion, the broader initiative seeks to revamp an 86-acre area in downtown St. Petersburg with plans for the development of a Black history museum, affordable housing, hospitality spaces, green areas, entertainment venues, and mixed-use developments. It also promises the creation of thousands of jobs.

St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch, a key advocate for the overall redevelopment effort, stated that the journey ahead should not be discarded. “We believe there is a path forward to success,” he affirmed.