“We will have more information on next steps once the analyses have been completed and the remaining roof has been removed,” Alizza Punzalan-Randle, a spokesperson for Mayor Ken Welch, stated. This highlights the city’s cautious approach to the ongoing evaluations. Tropicana Field‘s roof damage is just one of the issues, as officials wait for further analysis before outlining the stadium’s recovery plan.
Additional Damage Beyond the Roof
In addition to roof damage, several pieces of exterior siding were torn away by fierce gusts, leaving parts of the ballpark exposed to the elements. This only compounds the challenges, as a sign outside the stadium—damaged during Hurricane Helene just weeks before Milton—remains toppled. Structural vulnerabilities like these underscore the broader scope of restoration efforts required.
Uncertain Cable Damage and Potential Costly Repairs
One major concern is whether the cables supporting the Teflon-coated fiberglass roof were damaged by Milton. If these cables were indeed affected, the repair costs could skyrocket. This is a crucial factor as the city assesses the full extent of the damage, which could significantly alter the financial landscape of the project.
The Rays’ Dilemma: What Happens If Tropicana Field Isn’t Ready?
The Rays, who have remained silent since their last public statement on Oct. 10, now face a difficult decision. If Tropicana Field can’t be repaired in time, they’ll need to consider alternative venues. Options include minor league and spring training ballparks in Florida, but the state’s rainy season poses challenges. Other alternatives could involve sharing Miami Marlins’ indoor stadium or relocating out of state.
Durham Bulls Unavailable as a Full-Season Host
Despite being a potential backup, the Durham Bulls, the Rays’ Triple-A affiliate, stated on Thursday that hosting the Rays for an entire season is not feasible due to scheduling conflicts and logistical issues. Additionally, no discussions have occurred between the two teams, making this option less viable.
Long-Term Plans: The $1.3 Billion Stadium
By 2028, the Rays plan to move into a new $1.3 billion stadium next to Tropicana Field, marking a significant shift in the team’s future. In the meantime, playing in a minor league stadium would make them the second MLB team to do so, following in the footsteps of the Oakland Athletics, who are moving to Sacramento before their eventual relocation to Las Vegas.
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