Stuart Sternberg laments bitterly as the Tampa Bay Rays’ hurricane-damaged home costs over $55 million to repair in time for 2026 season, saying it may have a great…
Tampa Bay Rays owner Stuart Sternberg is raising alarms over the escalating costs of repairing Tropicana Field, the team’s hurricane-damaged home, ahead of the 2026 season. In a statement released this week, Sternberg lamented the financial burden the extensive repairs have placed on the organization, estimating that the damage will cost over $55 million to fix.
“The damage to Tropicana Field has been devastating, and the costs associated with restoring the stadium are far higher than we anticipated,” Sternberg said. “This is a significant financial setback for the team, and it will undoubtedly have an impact on our operations moving forward.”
The repairs are needed after the stadium suffered extensive damage from the hurricane earlier this year, including structural issues, water damage, and HVAC system failures. While the Rays have secured some emergency funding for the repairs, the steep price tag has prompted concerns about how it will affect the team’s budget, especially with ongoing discussions about the franchise’s future and the possibility of a new ballpark.
Sternberg, known for his careful stewardship of the team’s finances, admitted that the situation was forcing the Rays to re-evaluate their priorities. “Every dollar spent on repairs is one less dollar we have to invest in building a championship-caliber team,” he noted, suggesting that the financial strain could limit the Rays’ ability to make big moves in the offseason or retain key players.
With the 2026 season fast approaching, the Rays are working hard to complete repairs on time while managing their financial challenges.
Leave a Reply