### MLB Seeks Temporary Home for Tampa Bay Rays Amidst Tropicana Field Repairs

In the wake of significant damage to Tropicana Field caused by Hurricane Milton, Major League Baseball (MLB) is actively seeking a temporary home for the Tampa Bay Rays, preferably near their fanbase, for the start of the 2025 season. The hurricane's fierce winds shredded the translucent fiberglass dome of the stadium, casting doubt over its readiness for the upcoming season.

Several spring training sites around the Tampa Bay area have been floated as potential temporary venues. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred emphasized the league's preference for a location within the region. “We're hopeful that we can figure out something in the Tampa Bay area for them and that the repairs can be done in a way that allows them to resume playing,” Manfred stated during a recent episode of The Varsity podcast.

Since their inception in 1998, the Rays have called Tropicana Field home, although the structure itself dates back to 1990. The hurricane damage comes at a time when St. Petersburg is gearing up for a major downtown revitalization project, including a new $1.3 billion ballpark slated to open in 2028. The city has employed the Hennessy/AECOM firm to conduct a thorough damage analysis and has contracted another company to remove the remaining roof material. Additionally, the city has filed an insurance claim related to the damage.

St. Petersburg spokeswoman Alizza Punzalan-Randle indicated that more information on the next steps will be available once the roof removal and damage analysis are complete. City Council member Brandi Gabbard anticipates receiving the analysis report by the first week of November, which will provide a clearer picture of the path forward.

Possible temporary venues for the Rays include local spring training sites used by the Phillies, Blue Jays, Yankees, Pirates, and Tigers. Other options slightly further afield include the Rays' spring training complex in Port Charlotte and the ballpark at Disney's ESPN Wide World of Sports complex near Orlando. Some of these ballparks host minor league teams after spring training ends, which could complicate schedules. The Orioles' spring training site in Sarasota, which does not host a minor league team, is also under consideration.

There has also been discussion of the Rays sharing the Miami Marlins' stadium, but logistical challenges and the four-hour distance from St. Petersburg make this option less viable. A previously considered proposal for the Rays to play some home games in Montreal has resurfaced, but the stadium there is also undergoing renovations and won't be ready in time for the 2025 season.

As for the financial aspect, considerations are being made regarding how much investment should go into repairing a facility destined for demolition. The Rays' opening home game against the Colorado Rockies is scheduled for March 27, 2025. Commissioner Manfred assured, "The one thing I can tell you for sure, they're playing next year. We're going to find them someplace to do it."