Rays' question about 2025 comes to the fore after the devastation caused by Hurricane Milton

The fallout from Hurricane Milton's destruction of the Tampa community continues for the Rays.

Given the extensive damage to the team's Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, whose roof was destroyed by the monster Category 3 storm, the Tampa Bay Times reported Tuesday that the venue likely will not be ready for the start of the 2025 MLB season on March 27 and outlined potential options for the AL East club to explore.

“We expect to be able to assess the actual condition of Tropicana Field in the coming days and weeks,” the organization said in an Oct. 10 statement.

“In the meantime, we are working with law enforcement to secure the building. We ask for your patience during this time and encourage those who are able to donate to organizations in our community that are helping those directly impacted by these storms.”

In addition to the roof being installed in 1990, the Tampa Bay Times reported, “There is evidence of extensive damage elsewhere,” particularly “some fourth-floor team offices that had suspended ceilings beneath the overall roof are now open.” Elements.”

Access to the building was also restricted “for security reasons”.

Among the most pressing questions the Rays must address is whether the team is looking for a short-term or long-term alternative.

Variables to weigh include weather, location and scheduling conflicts.

While spring training facilities like Steinbrenner Field in Tampa and BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater have local appeal, they are without roofs, opening the door to possible weather delays. Upgrades would also be needed to host regular-season games, according to the report.

Charlotte Sports Park, the Rays' spring facility in Port Charlotte, Fla., and Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista were also highlighted as possibilities but have similar drawbacks.

The report also highlighted the possibility of the Rays competing outside the Sunshine State of North Carolina, home of their Triple-A team, due to numerous scheduling conflicts with nearby LoanDepot Park, home of the Miami Marlins.

The Rays have called Tropicana Field home since 1998.

They are expected to move to a new venue before the 2028 season.

Tropicana Field was used as a shelter for first responders before Milton's widespread impact.