The Tampa Bay Rays are demanding that Tropicana Field be fully repaired and ready for opening day of the 2026 season. However, leaders from the City of St. Petersburg have clarified that their agreement does not include a specific deadline for these repairs.

The damage caused by a hurricane and the shredded roof of Tropicana Field might delay the Rays’ return to the ballpark longer than anticipated. At a previous city council meeting, the team’s co-president, Brian Auld, stated, “I believe it’s going to be next to impossible for it to be repaired in time for the 2026 season.”

On January 15, city administrator Robert Gerdes sent a letter to the Rays’ leadership, explaining that there is no set deadline for the completion of repairs at the field. He also mentioned that “as a result, it is possible the term of the Use Agreement could extend beyond the 2028 season.”

City officials estimate the cost of repairs to Tropicana Field to be $56 million, leading some fans to question whether the investment is worthwhile.

A St. Pete resident expressed concern, stating, “I think it’s a lot of money for just a short period of time, just a few years, that’s a lot of money to spend.”

This ongoing debate over repairs comes amidst the uncertainty surrounding the new $1.3 billion ballpark plans. Previously, Mayor Ken Welch emphasized the importance of the deal, saying, “This has been 40 years in the making, this kind of economic opportunity doesn’t come around very often.”

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(Image credit: WKRG)