Hurricane Milton left a trail of destruction across Florida in its wake. Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays, was among the areas affected by the Category 3 hurricane.
The damage to the stadium is still being assessed, but it has become clear that the Rays will not be able to play there on Opening Day in 2025, scheduled for March 27, according to Mark Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. .
The worst damage inside the stadium from the storm was the roof, which was heavily damaged by Hurricane Milton, and part of the team office, which Topkin said suffered “extensive” damage.
Topkin reported that it was not immediately clear where the team would play early next year or how long they would be relocated as the stadium is renovated. They could play at a nearby minor league ballpark, but most minor league ballparks would have to play in a ballpark with an open roof.
As more information emerges about the state of Tropicana Field, it appears the Rays have another potential obstacle to overcome before the start of next season, one that will have a significant impact on the upcoming campaign. .
