The Tampa Bay Rays made a triumphant return to Tropicana Field on Monday, defeating the Chicago Cubs in front of a sellout crowd of 25,114 fans. The victory marked the team’s first game at home in 561 days, following extensive damage caused by Hurricane Milton, which struck in October 2024.
A Memorable Moment
The crowd erupted with cowbells ringing as Bryan Baker struck out Pete Crow-Armstrong to seal the win for the Rays. “It felt pretty good to say the least,” said Baker, reflecting on the moment. “I think that was an encapsulation of how everybody felt getting back in this building and playing in front of these fans.”
A $60 Million Renovation
The stadium’s new roof was a significant part of the $60 million renovation. The original roof was damaged by high winds, causing rain to leak into the stadium for months, damaging the bowl, electrical systems, and even the broadcast equipment.
The new roof was installed in August 2025, allowing the Rays to return home after spending the previous season playing across the bay in Tampa at the New York Yankees’ spring training facility.
The installation of the final panel in November 2025 marked the completion of the project, which also included upgrades to luxury suites, the video board, and the clubhouse.
A Warm Welcome from Fans
The return to Tropicana Field was emotional for both the players and the fans. Chandler Simpson, who had two hits and two stolen bases, expressed his gratitude, saying, “It was great. Shout out to the city of St. Pete and the fans for showing up for us after everything they’ve been through.”
The game marked the 20th consecutive sellout for the Rays’ home opener, excluding the 2020 season when fans were prohibited due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Special Guests and New Ownership
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and St. Petersburg Mayor Kenneth Welch threw out the first pitches, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also attending. The game was the first home win for the Rays under their new ownership group, led by Florida-based real estate developer Zalupski, who purchased the team for $1.7 billion in 2025.
The new ownership group is also exploring plans for a new ballpark in Tampa, near the Yankees’ spring training complex.
The Cownose Clubhouse and New Additions
One of the highlights of the return was the debut of the newly renovated “Cownose Clubhouse,” home to seven cownose stingrays from The Florida Aquarium.
The stingrays had survived Hurricane Milton and were relocated temporarily before returning to their permanent home at Tropicana Field for the season opener. The renovated clubhouse adds another exciting feature for fans to enjoy as the Rays begin a new chapter at Tropicana Field.
Looking Ahead
The Rays are under contract to play at Tropicana Field until at least 2028, but the new ownership is already pursuing plans for a new stadium.
For now, the Rays are focused on winning, with exciting moments like Junior Caminero’s home run lighting up the newly renovated field. “The fans’ support was amazing,” Caminero said. “It was exciting to be back at Tropicana.”
