ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The St. Petersburg Metropolis Council has authorized funding for a brand new turf discipline and a collection of non-roof repairs at Tropicana Discipline, a part of ongoing renovations after Hurricane Milton tore by the stadium on Oct. 4, 2024.
On Thursday, the council voted 7-1 to approve a decision awarding a contract to Shaw Built-in and Turf Options, Inc. for the acquisition and set up of turf discipline and infield supplies, at a complete price of $1.3 million.
In response to the town council agenda, resulting from water intrusion and roof particles, the turf discipline and infield materials “should be changed,” together with the restricted turf within the batting tunnel on the service stage of the stadium.
One other decision was authorized for $14.4 million in non-roof repairs together with architectural finishes, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fireplace alarm and safety system repairs in addition to audio, broadcast information and video board repairs.
Council Member Corey Givens Jr. was the only vote in opposition to the agreements and questioned whether or not the brand new potential proprietor “even need[s] the stadium mounted?”
The proprietor of the Tampa Bay Rays is reportedly in talks with a developer to purchase the franchise and a deal could come as early as September, as based on ESPN.
Givens stated he believed there have been different “economical choices,” that the method was being rushed, and that he would favor to first hear the Rays’ plans for the stadium.
“I do know what we’re obligated to do. I don’t must be reminded of that, however what I do wish to remind council members and administration is that we’re additionally obligated to hearken to our constituents and our constituents are telling us that the worth tag is getting too excessive, and this isn’t what we have been initially instructed. It’s not what we have been bought,” Givens stated.
Givens requested the authorized employees in the course of the assembly whether or not the town may obtain a refund if it spent the cash now. A employees member responded that the town has a “contractual dedication” and “monetary accountability” to restore the stadium.
“There’s no refund that might be contemplated from the Rays. The one reimbursement could be FEMA and insurance coverage,” the employees member stated.
Movies posted to X following the storm final fall present the intensive roof harm.
Now that the solar is up, right here’s a 360-degree view of the harm Hurricane Milton triggered to Tropicana Discipline’s roof and the within of the ballpark. Completely heartbreaking 💔 pic.twitter.com/ZCtPHv6rE9
— Ryan Bass (@Ry_Bass) October 10, 2024
In late July, St. Petersburg officers reportedly authorized $22.5 million for a brand new roof and launched new pictures displaying the repairs underway.
📸NEW: St. Pete launched new photos of the restore work at Tropicana Discipline
⚾️The blue netting will function a “work platform,” per St. Pete metropolis officers
Timeline:
Roof set up begins — Aug ’25
Roof set up executed — Dec ’25
Turf set up — Dec ’25
Venture executed — April ’26 pic.twitter.com/vOTwCMNUpB— Jeff Butera (@BayNews9Jeff) July 22, 2025
Town is advancing plans to completely restore the Tropicana Discipline forward of the 2026 season, based on a March press launch.
