St. Pete informs Rays: No deadline for Tropicana Field repairs

The Tampa Bay Rays are pushing for repairs to Tropicana Field to be completed by opening day of the 2026 season, following damage from Hurricane Milton. However, St. Petersburg city officials have stated that there is no contractual deadline for these repairs, which could extend the existing Use Agreement beyond the 2028 season. City Administrator Rob Gerdes confirmed that while the city is legally obligated to fix the damage, the timeline is flexible, potentially complicating the Rays' plans. The projected cost for the repairs is around $56 million, with city officials hoping for reimbursements from FEMA and insurance. The team has made arrangements to play at alternative venues if necessary, as they face logistical challenges if Tropicana Field isn't ready. This ongoing situation comes amidst wider discussions about a new $1.3 billion stadium, with the Rays citing increased costs and delays in bond approvals as significant hurdles.