{
  "id": 16619670,
  "title": "How Tropicana Field Went From Hurricane Ravaged to World Series Host",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/26/how-tropicana-field-went-from-hurricane-ravaged-to-world-series-host",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-26T15:17:54.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Front Office Sports",
    "slug": "front-office-sports",
    "url": "https://frontofficesports.com/article/rays-tropicana-field-hurricane-milton-recovery-world-series-tampa/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Rays' Tropicana Field has undergone an incredible transformation since being ravaged by Hurricane Milton in 2020, ultimately becoming a World Series host. Just two years after the storm caused massive damage, the stadium is now a symbol of resilience and success for the Tampa Bay Rays. The restoration process, costing $60 million, allowed the club to return to their publically owned Tropicana Field, ending a year-long stint in a minor league/spring training facility. Despite the extensive repairs, the Rays turned adversity into opportunity, winning their first American League pennant since 2008. CEO Ken Babby remarked on the remarkable change, stating, \"When you look back, a year ago, we didn't have a roof over our heads. We didn't have a home. We were playing in a minor league/spring training facility that wasn't ours.\" The improvements to Tropicana Field have included updated suites, a new turf field, an improved video board, and an upgraded locker room, with the iconic ray tank returning behind the centerfield wall. These upgrades have led to increased attendance, both during the regular season and in the postseason, with the Tropicana Field upper deck now open and crowds regularly exceeding 40,000. As the Rays prepare to face the Brewers in the World Series, their strong fan support and unique atmosphere at Tropicana Field will be crucial in overcoming a 0-2 deficit. At the same time, the Rays are also working on their \"forever home\" plans, a $2.36 billion ballpark in Tampa. With approvals from the City of Tampa and Hillsborough County, and a groundbreaking expected later this year, the team is excited to finalize their dream destination, marking the culmination of a long-awaited journey.",
  "summary": "The long-criticized ballpark is on baseball’s biggest stage.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}