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Tropicana Field hosts first playoff game since being devastated by Hurricane Milton as Rays take on Yankees

Milton destroyed most of the field's fiberglass roof as it carved a destructive path across the Florida Peninsula on Oct. 9, 2024, with wind gusts exceeding 100 mph.

By Julian Atienza
Source FOX Weather
FILE - It’s been 18 months since Hurricane Milton unleashed strong winds that tore the roof off Tropicana Field and devastated parts of St. Petersburg, Florida. FOX Weather Correspondent Katie Byrne reports live from the stadium as it prepares to reopen after extensive repairs. For the first time in over 500 days, the Tampa Bay Rays will return to their home field with their fans. 03:12

Tampa Bay Rays to return to repaired Tropicana Field for first pitch after Hurricane Milton roof damage

FILE - It’s been 18 months since Hurricane Milton unleashed strong winds that tore the roof off Tropicana Field and devastated parts of St. Petersburg, Florida. FOX Weather Correspondent Katie Byrne reports live from the stadium as it prepares to reopen after extensive repairs. For the first time in over 500 days, the Tampa Bay Rays will return to their home field with their fans.

THE TAKEAWAY

  • The Tampa Bay Rays will host their first playoff game in Tropicana Field since Hurricane Milton destroyed the stadium's roof in 2024.
  • The City of St. Petersburg said it approved nearly $60 million to repair and restore Tropicana Field, including about $23 million to replace the roof.
  • In their first season back at The Trop, the Rays won 55 games, setting a new franchise record.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Tropicana Field will host its first playoff game since Hurricane Milton devastated the stadium in 2024 as the Tampa Bay Rays entertain the New York Yankees for Game 1 of the American League Divisional Series Saturday evening.

Milton destroyed most of the field's fiberglass roof as it carved a destructive path across the Florida Peninsula on Oct. 9, 2024, with wind gusts exceeding 100 mph.

  • Image taken with drone) In this aerial view, the domed roof at Tropicana Field, the home of the Tampa Bay Rays, is seen ripped to shreds from Hurricane Milton's powerful winds in St. Petersburg. The storm passed through the area on October 10, 2024, making landfall as a Category 3 hurricane in Siesta Key, Florida.
    Image 1 of 4

    In this aerial view, the domed roof at Tropicana Field, the home of the Tampa Bay Rays, is seen ripped to shreds from Hurricane Milton's powerful winds in St. Petersburg. The storm passed through the area on October 10, 2024, making landfall as a Category 3 hurricane in Siesta Key, Florida. (Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket)

  • Image 2 of 4

    ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - JANUARY 11: A general overall aerial view of Tropicana Field and stadium dome damage from Hurricane Milton on January 11, 2025 in St. Petersburg, Florida.  ((Photo by Kirby Lee/Getty Images))

  • Image 3 of 4

    ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - APRIL 06: In an aerial view, Tropicana Field is seen following an MLB game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Chicago Cubs at Tropicana Field on April 06, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. The Rays defeated the Cubs 6-4.  ((Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images))

  • ST. PETERSBURG, FL - APRIL 06: A general exterior view as fans line up to enter Tropicana Field prior to the game between the Chicago Cubs and the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday, April 6, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida.
    Image 4 of 4

    ST. PETERSBURG, FL - APRIL 06: A general exterior view as fans line up to enter Tropicana Field prior to the game between the Chicago Cubs and the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday, April 6, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. ( (Photo by Mike Carlson/MLB Photos via Getty Images))

Milton made landfall near Siesta Key as an intense Category 3 hurricane that spawned 45 confirmed tornadoes across the state. The storm killed 39 people and caused $34.3 billion in damage.

The City of St. Petersburg said it approved nearly $60 million to repair and restore Tropicana Field, including about $23 million to replace the roof.

The Rays played their entire 2025 home schedule at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, the Yankees’ spring training ballpark, before Tropicana Field reopened for the start of the 2026 season. So it's fitting that the Rays’ first playoff game in Tropicana since Hurricane Milton damaged the stadium will be against the Yankees.

In their first season back at The Trop, the Rays enjoyed a 55-26 record at home, en route to an American League-leading 98 wins.

The Rays’ 55 home wins set a franchise record and tied the Milwaukee Brewers for the most in baseball this season.

ST. PETERSBURG, FL - AUGUST 30: Drew Rasmussen #57 of the Tampa Bay Rays pitches during the game between the San Diego Padres and the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on Sunday, August 30, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida.

ST. PETERSBURG, FL - AUGUST 30: Drew Rasmussen #57 of the Tampa Bay Rays pitches during the game between the San Diego Padres and the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on Sunday, August 30, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. 

((Photo by Alex Zadorozny/MLB Photos via Getty Images) / Getty Images)

Meanwhile, the Yankees have struggled in Tropicana this year, going just 1-6.

First pitch for Game 1 is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Drew Rasmussen will toe the rubber for the Rays against the Yankees' Gerrit Cole.

For those headed to the game, scattered thunderstorms are forecast to develop over Tampa beginning at 4 p.m. through the start of the game. 

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