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TIMELINE: How long did it take to repair Tropicana Field?

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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Rays are finally back at Tropicana Field for the 2026 season. Here is a look back at how baseball finally returned to St. Petersburg.

  • October 2024: The Trop's roof was ripped off during high winds from Hurricane Milton. The storm made landfall around 8:30 p.m.
Tropicana Field's roof was ripped off by winds from Hurricane Milton
Winds from Hurricane Milton ripped off Tropicana Field's roof on 10/9/24.

  • April 2025: St. Pete City Council members voted to approve funding for the roof repairs at Tropicana Field. This comes nearly six months after Hurricane Milton ripped the roof off of the Trop.
  • August 2025: Roof replacement begins
  • November 2025: The City of St. Petersburg completed the installation of the final roof panel on Tropicana Field Stadium ahead of schedule, according to an official release.
Tropicana Field roof drone video

  • December 2025: Audio system installation begins, backstop netting and outfield wall padding installation, interior repairs continue
  • January 2026: Turf installation, interior repairs continue
  • April 6, 2026: The Tampa Bay Rays return to Tropicana Field for it's home opener of the 2026 season

For information on how to watch the Rays on TV and streaming this season, click here.

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