Photo: BRYAN R. SMITH / AFP / Getty Images
St. Petersburg, FL - St. Petersburg city officials confirmed that the full roof installation at Tropicana Field has been completed ahead of schedule, marking a key milestone in the stadium’s long-term restoration following Hurricane Milton’s damage in October 2024.
The major structural project, which required removing and replacing compromised roof panels, is one of the most significant components of the city’s effort to return the venue to full operation.
Mayor Kenneth T. Welch issued a statement acknowledging the work of city staff and contractors who managed to accelerate the installation timeline despite the complexity of the repairs.
According to Welch, finishing the roof early keeps the stadium on pace for its planned reopening for the 2026 Tampa Bay Rays season.
With the exterior work now complete, crews will shift focus to interior construction and technical upgrades that are still required to bring the facility back to operational standards.
These next stages include installing new turf, repairing or replacing audiovisual equipment, and updating sports lighting systems that were affected during the storm.
City records show that the St. Petersburg City Council approved a total of $59,699,513.82 for remediation and repairs at Tropicana Field.
The funding covers a range of structural and operational needs necessary to restore the stadium after the hurricane-related damage.
Officials stated that the full scope of repairs remains on schedule for completion by April 2026.
The city plans to continue providing updates as internal work progresses, noting that the early roof completion represents a significant step toward preparing the venue for the return of fans and regular home games.