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Tampa Bay Rays Return to Tropicana Field for Home Opener Monday; First Since Hurricane Milton

On Monday, a sellout crowd will welcome the Tampa Bay Rays back to the renovated Tropicana Field for the first time in 18 1/2 months. The team returns home following extensive repairs.
Hurricane Milton caused extensive damage on Oct. 9, 2024, ripping the roof and ruining internal systems. The team consequently played the 2025 season at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, the New York Yankees' spring training home.
Nearly $60 million was spent replacing the roof and installing new artificial turf, with luxury suites and electronics upgraded. Rays manager Kevin Cash expressed excitement about the stadium's improved condition and the return of fans.
Reliever Griffin Jax, who joined the team last July, described playing in a minor league environment as difficult. The club expects a 20th consecutive sellout for the home opener, excluding the 2020 pandemic season.
Although the Rays are under lease through 2028, the team's ownership is pursuing a new ballpark in Tampa. The proposed site sits near the Yankees' spring training complex and Raymond James Stadium.

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