MLB and the Tampa Bay Rays are evaluating extensive damage to Tropicana Field’s fiberglass dome from Hurricane Milton, raising concerns about the stadium’s availability for Opening Day 2025. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred indicates the league is actively seeking alternative venues in the Tampa Bay area.

“We’re hoping to find a solution within the market and complete repairs to resume play,” Manfred stated during an appearance on The Varsity podcast. “Our priority is keeping teams in their home markets whenever possible.”

Several potential temporary venues exist in the region:

• BayCare Ballpark (Clearwater) – Phillies’ spring training facility
• BayCare Ballpark (Dunedin) – Blue Jays’ spring training home
• George M. Steinbrenner Field (Tampa) – Yankees’ spring facility
• LECOM Park (Bradenton) – Pirates’ spring location
• Charlotte Sports Park (Port Charlotte) – Rays’ own spring training site

Another option is Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports complex in Orlando, where previous MLB games have been played. But, MLB officials strongly prefer minor league facilities because schedules are already set at Disney World and this would necessitate sizeable rearrangements. Even relocating to a spring training facility would require significant scheduling adjustments for minor league teams and possible stadium upgrades to meet MLB standards. So, Disney, which hosts numerous events – all of which are booked far in advance – meaning its ESPN complex would be the least ideal.

The City of St. Petersburg has initiated damage assessment and cleanup efforts, bringing in specialized firms to evaluate the building’s structure and address the roof damage. While no final decision has been made, experts consider it unlikely the stadium will be ready for the scheduled home opener against the Colorado Rockies on Thursday, March 27, 2025.

This situation comes as the Rays already plan to transition to a new ballpark for the 2028 season, though the immediate focus remains on finding a suitable venue for the upcoming season.