City Council Approves Replacement of Tropicana Field Roof

City Council members in St. Petersburg voted to approve the replacement of Tropicana Field’s roof, which was damaged by Hurricane Milton last year. The city will invest $22.5 million in a new teflon-coated fiberglass roof, utilizing the same material as the original. This is half of the estimated $55.7 million needed to repair the stadium, showing progress towards preparing the dome for the return of the Tampa Bay Rays in time for the 2026 season. Currently, the team is playing at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa.

Contractual Obligation

As the landlord of Tropicana Field, the city is obligated under its agreement with the Rays to make the stadium playable again. Council members acknowledged this commitment, with the Rays expected to play their home games at the dome until the 2028 season. The council voted 7-1 in favor of replacing the roof, with one member voting against it.

Construction Details

AECOM Hunt, the same firm that built Tropicana Field 35 years ago, will work with Hennessy Construction Services to construct a new white fabric roof, preferred by Major League Baseball for its cost-effectiveness and quicker installation time. Roof repairs are scheduled to be completed by Christmas, with turf replacement continuing through February.

Financial Support and Additional Costs

To fund the roof replacement, the council approved transferring $2.5 million from the Parking Revenue Fund, $7.6 million from the Commercial Insurance Fund, and $12.8 million from a $50 million loan obtained in December. An additional $500,600 was allocated for project oversight and permit costs.

Future Repairs

The council will also address non-roof related repairs such as metal panels, sports lighting, audio visual equipment, drywall, and flooring and carpets in upcoming votes scheduled for May, June, July, and August.

Conclusion

The approval of the Tropicana Field roof replacement marks a significant milestone in ensuring the stadium is ready for the return of the Tampa Bay Rays. With construction underway, the city is fulfilling its contractual obligations to maintain the facility for future seasons.

FAQs

Q: When is the expected completion date for the roof repairs?
A: Roof repairs are scheduled to be finished by Christmas, with turf replacement continuing through February.

Q: How is the project funded?
A: The project is funded through a combination of transfers from various city funds and a loan taken out in December.

Q: What additional repairs are still pending approval?
A: Non-roof related repairs like metal panels, sports lighting, and flooring and carpets will be addressed in future council votes.