Tropicana Field reopens for Rays' home opener after hurricane repairs

The Tampa Bay Rays' home stadium has new turf, clay, and amenities after months of work to fix damage from Hurricane Milton.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 9:54pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting the Tropicana Field baseball stadium broken down into overlapping geometric shapes and planes in shades of blue, green, and gray, creating a dynamic and fragmented visual representation of the venue.The newly renovated Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays, is reimagined through a cubist lens, capturing the stadium's dynamic energy and architectural complexity.St. Petersburg Today

After months of work to repair major damage from Hurricane Milton, the Tampa Bay Rays opened their season at Tropicana Field on Monday. The stadium has new turf and clay on the playing surface and new amenities for fans, with the director of field operations saying it's 'never looked better.' Across the street, the owner of the popular Ferg's Sports Bar is also celebrating the return of fans to the stadium.

Why it matters

Tropicana Field is a crucial part of the Tampa Bay Rays' operations, and its reopening after hurricane damage allows the team to return to their home stadium for the start of the season. The repairs and upgrades also provide an improved experience for fans attending games.

The details

The Rays spent months working to repair damage to Tropicana Field caused by Hurricane Milton, including replacing the turf and clay on the playing surface and adding new amenities for fans. Dan Moeller, the director of field operations, said it's the longest he's gone without the stadium being his 'home' in his 28 years with the team.

  • Tropicana Field opened for the Rays' home opener on Monday, April 6, 2026.
  • The stadium underwent months of repair work following the damage from Hurricane Milton.

The players

Dan Moeller

The director of field operations for the Tampa Bay Rays, who has worked at Tropicana Field for 28 years.

Mark Ferguson

The owner of the popular Ferg's Sports Bar, located across the street from Tropicana Field.

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What they’re saying

“It's very special. It was a long year. It was rough being outside at Steinbrenner. They were great to work with, but it's still outside and we had to work with the weather, the heat, the rain, so it's really, really nice to be back here.”

— Dan Moeller, Director of Field Operations, Tampa Bay Rays

“We are so excited to be back at the Trop. St. Pete is on fire.”

— Mark Ferguson, Owner, Ferg's Sports Bar

What’s next

The Rays will continue their home stand at Tropicana Field, with their next game scheduled for Wednesday, April 8th.

The takeaway

The reopening of Tropicana Field is a significant milestone for the Tampa Bay Rays and their fans, as the stadium's repairs and upgrades provide an improved game-day experience after the disruption caused by Hurricane Milton. The team and local businesses are eager to welcome back supporters to the heart of St. Petersburg's sports and entertainment district.