NewsWPLG Local 10October 26, 2026Miami-Dade County
Tampa Bay Rays return to Tropicana Field for World Series Game 3 following hurricane repairs
Photo: WPLG Local 10
The Tampa Bay Rays return to Tropicana Field for Game 3 of the World Series after playing the 2025 season in Tampa due to roof damage caused by Hurricane Milton. Nearly $60 million was spent to repair the stadium following the October 2024 storm, and county approval was recently secured for a new $2.3 billion ballpark scheduled to open in 2029.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10Why It Matters
The team returns to its home stadium after an 18.5-month displacement following Hurricane Milton, amid ongoing plans for a $2.3 billion replacement stadium project backed by county financing.
Key Facts
- Tropicana Field suffered extensive roof and structural damage when Hurricane Milton swept through downtown St. Petersburg on Oct. 9, 2024.
- Nearly $60 million was spent to replace the roof and rebuild Tropicana Field, allowing the Rays to return 18 and a half months later.
- During stadium renovations, the Rays played their 2025 home games across the bay in Tampa at Steinbrenner Field.
- During the renovation period, the Rays were sold to a ownership group led by real estate developer Patrick Zalupski.
- The new ownership group spearheaded an agreement to build a 31,000-seat ballpark in Tampa near the Buccaneers' stadium, featuring a $2.3 billion mixed-use entertainment district approved by the county in August and scheduled to open in 2029.
- A sellout crowd of more than 40,000 fans welcomed the Rays back to Tropicana Field for Game 3 of the World Series against the Milwaukee Brewers.
- Tropicana Field features a distinctive catwalk system of four circular steel rings, where batted balls striking the lower two catwalks count as home runs and upper two catwalks remain in play.
- The stadium houses the 'Cownose Clubhouse,' a 10,000-gallon touch tank where fans can touch cownose stingrays.
Who's Mentioned
PersonVictor Mesa Jr.“Player who caught the ball hit off the catwalk during the ALDS.”PersonSpencer Jones“New York Yankees rookie who hit a flyball off a stadium catwalk.”PersonKevin Cash“Tampa Bay Rays manager.”OrganizationTampa Bay Rays“Major League Baseball team returning to Tropicana Field.”locationSt. Petersburg“City where Tropicana Field is located.”PersonPat Murphy“Brewers manager.”OrganizationSteinbrenner Field“Spring training home of the New York Yankees used by the Rays in 2025.”PersonAaron Ashby“Brewers reliever.”otherHurricane Milton“Storm that caused extensive damage to Tropicana Field on Oct. 9, 2024.”locationArlington“City in Texas where the 2020 World Series was played on a neutral field.”PersonPatrick Zalupski“Real estate developer who led the group that purchased the Rays.”OrganizationMilwaukee Brewers“Opposing team in the World Series.”locationPhiladelphia“City where the 2008 World Series games took place after the opening games in Tam”OrganizationAmerican Family Field“Stadium in Milwaukee where Games 1 and 2 of the World Series were played.”locationTampa“City where the Rays played their 2025 home games at Steinbrenner Field.”OrganizationNew York Yankees“Team whose spring training facility was used temporarily and played against the ”PersonRichie Palacios“Tampa Bay Rays second baseman.”PersonBrice Turang“Brewers second baseman.”