Rays Return to Tropicana Field After Hurricane Repairs

Sellout crowd expected as Tampa Bay team plays first home game in over a year and a half.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 11:25am

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The Tampa Bay Rays will return to their home stadium, Tropicana Field, on Monday for the first time in 18 months after extensive repairs were made to the roof that was damaged by a hurricane. The team is eager to play in front of a sellout crowd as they take the field in their newly renovated stadium.

Why it matters

The Rays' return to Tropicana Field is a significant milestone for the team and the Tampa Bay community, as the stadium has been closed for over a year and a half due to hurricane damage. This game marks the team's first home game since the storm and the completion of the renovations, signaling a return to normalcy for the Rays and their loyal fanbase.

The details

Tropicana Field, the home stadium of the Tampa Bay Rays, was significantly damaged by a hurricane in 2024, forcing the team to play their home games elsewhere for over a year and a half. The roof of the stadium sustained extensive damage and required major repairs before the Rays could return. The renovations are now complete, and the team is eager to take the field in front of a sellout crowd on Monday for their first home game since the storm.

  • The Rays last played a home game at Tropicana Field on September 29, 2024, before the hurricane struck.
  • The stadium has been closed for 18 1/2 months due to the hurricane damage and renovations.
  • The Rays will return to Tropicana Field and play their first home game on Monday, April 7, 2026.

The players

Tampa Bay Rays

The professional baseball team that plays in the American League East division of Major League Baseball and calls Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida their home stadium.

Tropicana Field

The indoor baseball stadium located in St. Petersburg, Florida that has been the home of the Tampa Bay Rays since 1998.

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What they’re saying

“We're so excited to finally be back home and playing in front of our fans again. It's been a long road, but the renovations look amazing and we can't wait to take the field on Monday.”

— Kevin Kiermaier, Rays Outfielder

What’s next

The Rays will host a special pregame ceremony to commemorate the stadium's reopening and honor the fans who have supported the team during the long closure.

The takeaway

The Rays' return to Tropicana Field represents a significant milestone for the team and the Tampa Bay community, as the stadium's reopening after extensive hurricane repairs signals a return to normalcy and a renewed sense of optimism for the upcoming season.