Fix the Trop? A better idea for St. Pete, Pinellas – and the Rays

Why Fix the Trop? The Costs, Risks, and a Smarter Alternative – for St Pete, the Rays and Pinellas County.

I don’t get it. Why are the Rays and the City of St. Pete even considering fixing Tropicana Field?

Two hurricanes have shown us the real risks of rebuilding.

Just look on Zillow—at least 150 homes are for sale in Shore Acres alone. Many were flooded, and some owners can’t afford to rebuild. But even for those who can, why would they take that risk again – now that we know the kinds of damages that can be sustained when hurricanes threaten our area. 

Let’s apply that same logic to the Trop. The Rays would only occupy it for at most three years before it’s torn down. The estimated repair cost is around $60 million, but no one seems to know the real price yet—especially once Major League Baseball weighs in with its demands. These are questions that still don’t have answers.

Before spending another dime toward re-construction, the city needs the final specs and a bonded fixed price contract. 

But just like the homes in Shore Acres,  why take the risk of another hurricane blowing the roof off again?

And what about insurance?

The Trop’s current fabric roof was only designed to withstand 110 mph winds.

• What will the new roof specifications be?
• Who will insure it?
• Can it even be insured at a reasonable cost?

From the Rays’ perspective, this is a massive risk.

Why would they want to wait through two seasons of uncertainty as to when the construction will be completed to then play in a stadium for only three years? And what happens to them if a hurricane hits during re-construction or during the three years they play at the Trop?  Where do they go?

If stability and a long-term future matter to them, waiting for a repaired Trop makes no sense.

A better approach?

The Rays and the City should acknowledge the reality: The Trop is done.

It’s too risky to fix.  Maybe the Rays play at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa for three years while they finalize their long-term  plans. And by March 31, 2025, they should either commit to the new stadium deal in St. Pete or move on.

If the Rays move on, the Trop can be torn down, and the city can hire a nationally recognized land planner to lay out new streets and infrastructure. Then, let private developers do what they do best—take the risks and build where there’s demand. The city could set aside some parcels for affordable housing while selling the rest at market rates.

The financial benefits are massive.

Instead of spending $288 million (plus interest) on a stadium, the city could sell the developed lots for as much as $1 billion. That money could help underwrite affordable housing and—just as importantly—provide much-needed funding to fix our flooding crisis. Right now, St. Pete faces $5 billion in known sewer, stormwater, and water system repairs.  And the city could fund the $50 million of intentional equity to the Black community.  

As for Pinellas County, they save $313 million (plus interest) – funds to focus on what really brings tourists – the beaches , museums and more.

And for the Rays, moving on offers a more certain future.

They can establish stability without the looming threat of another hurricane disrupting their plans.

The choice seems clear:

Waste money on a risky, short-term stadium fix—or make a long-term investment in a stronger, more resilient St. Pete and Pinellas County.