A first look inside the Rays’ hurricane-damaged Tropicana Field

The shredding of Tropicana Field's roof was the most iconic image of the damage Hurricane Milton wreaked upon the Tampa Bay area on Oct. 9.

But the impact on the domed home of the Tampa Bay Rays extended well beyond that, and the team last week released the first photos showing some of the other issues and impact from the storm.

There was enough damage to keep the team from playing there for at least the entire 2025 season and potentially from ever returning. The team announced last week that it will play next season at Tampa's Steinbrenner Field , spring home of the rival New York Yankees.

A report requested by the city of St. Petersburg and released last week estimates it will cost about $56 million to repair the Trop and take until just before the start of the 2026 season, though the estimate does not cover all items.

St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch wants to go ahead with the repairs, but the ultimate decision will be made by the City Council. One of the main questions is whether it is worth repairing the Trop, given plans for a new stadium that was to open in 2029. But that project, due to political wrangling over funding , could be delayed or scuttled entirely.

The photos of the damage to the Trop were taken in mid-to late October by Rays photographer Will Vragovic. That was prior to the removal of the cots that had been used by emergency personnel before the arrival of the storm, and before initial work was done at the site to remove the remainder and remnants of the roof, and to secure other aspects of the facility.

Here is a look around the stadium, which opened in 1990 and has been home to the Rays since they began play in 1998.

Fallen sign Standing water Wrecked concession stands Dugout perspective Office view Insulation piled up Dirty water Radio silence Banners intact View from above • • •

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