Tropicana Field Hosts First Playoff Game Since Hurricane Milton

Residents of Tampa had reason to celebrate over the weekend when the hometown Rays took to the field for their playoff game at Tropicana Field since the stadium was devastated by Hurricane Milton. Here is a look back at this major hurricane and how it impacted baseball in this part of the Florida Gulf Coast.

The Trop is Back Open for Playoff Business Following Milton's Destruction

Hurricane Milton carved a path through the Tampa-St. Petersburg area on October 9, 2024, packing wind gusts over 100 mph. The winds were so strong that most of the fiberglass roof of Tropicana Field was ripped to shreds. The field was forced to close for the entire 2025 season while repairs were made, forcing the team to play at nearby George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa.

Much of the heartache associated with Milton was forgotten for a brief moment on Saturday when the Rays took on the New York Yankees in St. Petersburg in Game 1 of the American League Divisional Series. The cherry on top was the Rays taking home the win by a score of 1 to 0 in the stadium that is affectionately known as The Trop.

What is ironic is that Steinbrenner Field is home to the New York Yankees for spring training.

It has been a long road to recovery for the Rays, losing their stadium for the 2025 season. The City of St. Petersburg approved nearly $60 million to restore Tropicana Field after Milton's destruction. Included in this budget was approximately $23 million to replace the damaged roof.

The Trop was good to the Rays this season. The team came out of the regular season with a record of 55 and 26 at home. This home field advantage helped to propel the Rays to the most wins in the American League at 98. The 55 home wins were good enough for a new franchise record. The team also tied the Milwaukee Brewers for the most home victories this year.

Tropicana Field has been a difficult spot for the Yankees to play this year. The team has struggled at this field, going 1 and 6 this season.