After some uncertainty, the Tampa Bay Rays now support a $55.7 million city plan to repair hurricane-shredded Tropicana Field in time for the 2026 season opener, while the team prepares to play this year at the New York Yankees’ spring training home in nearby Tampa.

Hurricane Milton caused over $50 million in damage to Tropicana Field, displacing the Rays from their home for at least the 2025 season.

The Tampa Bay Rays’ leadership has changed its position on repairing Tropicana Field, which will cost at least $56 million to fix following Hurricane Milton. In a Dec. 30 e-mail to St. Petersburg City Administrator Rob Gerdes,

The Tampa Bay Rays are no longer interested in getting out of their lease to play in their hurricane-damaged ballpark, stating instead their clear preference is to start the 2026 season in a rebuilt Tropicana Field,

The Tampa Bay Rays are looking forward to a "grand reopening" of hurricane-ravaged Tropicana Field in 2026 — a timeline a team executive previously said was unfeasible. Rays Co-President Matt Silverman emailed St. Petersburg City Administrator Rob Gerdes on Dec. 30, 2024, imploring the city to begin repairs soon.

In a new email Rays leaders say they "support and expect" the repair of hurricane-ravaged Tropicana Field, a change of tune from weeks ago.

The Tampa Bay Rays now support a $55.7 million city plan to repair hurricane-shredded Tropicana Field in time for the 2026 season opener.

Colleen Wright, St. Petersburg reporter for the Tampa Bay Times, joined FOX 35's Garrett Wymer to break down her report the Rays reversing course, and now 'support and expect' the city of St. Petersburg to repair Tropicana Field for the Rays to return and play home games for 2026 Opening Day.