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St. Pete Local: Cleanup has already begun. They've had crews working there regularly for the past few days and I've seen debris including roof fabric being dumped in containers Outside. As for the "missing panels" on the back walls, these are actually large air ventilation vents and have always existed. In conversation with a close friend who works in the front office, damage to the rafters and support beams "appear" to be ok and may lower the initial anticipated cost that was spread in the media. They're already working with a vendor for fabric and are pushing to get the trop back open before the 2026 season. (Fingers Crossed) As for the upcoming season, I've been told they will have an extended stay at the Port Charlotte spring training site and will eventually move to the Disney complex in Kissimmee. The biggest logistic issue for 2025 is getting road teams chartered planes into the area. The nearby Punta Gorda airport doesn't typically have space to park a large plane for an extended period of time and Sarasota airport is still facing issues post hurricane. Ideally once the move to Orlando happens this will alleviate this issue. Unfortunately we should anticipate about a month of Baseball at the Spring Complex due to schedule agreements Disney has in place. Didn't hear anything from me ...
This reminds me of the Pontiac Silverdome before it got demolished years after the Lions moved to Ford Field. It's sad to see any sports venue left in a mess.
Mixed feelings. Maybe in a certain light it looks cool, but maybe it's just because it looks new and different. Either way, it's impractical for the weather in Florida.
Hey Brodie, that section of wall above the Kane's Furniture sign is normal, it's not damaged that I can see. That was installed during the 1997 renovation. I think originally, I'm not too sure, it was suppose to be a window that opened up, however I don't ever remember it being opened. I think the rays have already played their last game at the Trop. I would think the two most likely places for where the Rays would play are Steinbrenner Field and Al Lang Field. Steinbrenner is a good facility with a capacity of 11K, however it is controlled by the Yankees with whom the Rays would need permission to do anything. Also playing there would require relocating the Yankees Florida State League affiliate. Al Lang Field is controlled by the Rays. It is currently configured for Soccer, however, of all the possible locations in Tampa Bay, it might be the only one that could be expanded to seat 20K with temporary seating. Location would also be a big benefit of playing at AL Lang. Visiting teams would be able to stay at the same hotels that they have for the past 25 years. Players and staff wouldn't need to relocate at all. Lastly, being only about a mile from the Trop, staff could mostly all stay at the Trop, and players could still use the indoor facilities there such as hitting cages, pitching mounds, medical and physical training, video rooms, etc. Lastly, as a kid I watched many baseball games Al Lang during the summer. You often get a nice cool breeze off the water, so it feels cooler than other locations in the area. This is the location where the Rays wanted to build a new stadium with just a canopy back in 2008.
That's an excellent idea. Al Lang Stadium might be the better option of the two for the Rays for the reasons you stated. Business might boom there, be beneficial for all involved. Lots of businesses might make mad bank. I mean mad bank in a good way.
They should take the time and design/build a new ETFE roof that will filter light but give you that natural daylight experience that all ballparks really need... Better than a sloppy rush job that will only need constant repairs...
I drive by the stadium daily on my commute to work and that falling piece of fabric is actually from workers assessing the roof and cleaning off the remaining pieces
Thanks Brodie for the update. I only attended one game at this venue back in 2010 and I understand the pain. Some Rays’ fans may be going through at this time but I believe it’s time for them to just find somewhere else to play for the upcoming seasons.
That roof material is custom made by a company called Birdair. As an architect who has had experience using the material, you will not see a replacement installed by the start of the coming season. The lead time for the production of the panels and installation could take a year or more. On the other hand, I am not sure that the electrical systems suspended from the rings that once supported the fabric room are rated for exposure to rain, so that may not function properly without the roof. This would include critical systems like the lighting and sound. This is not a problem that will be easily repaired by the next opening day.
The Rays are my team and I've been to the stadium, the Trop at least 40+ times for games, after game concerts, playoffs, World Series 2008 against the Phillies, college football and the Shriners game, date nights, boat shows, trade shows, could have been a second World series in 2020, but covid ruined that for us. It was the laughing stock stadium of MLB that everyone poked fun at, and I get it, but you know it wasn't all that bad ,was a comfortable 70 degrees in July, no rain outs, It's easy to get to despite what others say, Sting Ray Tanks, tickets were as cheap as $8, get to see MLB games close up against all the best teams, pregame at Ferg's sports bar next door, it was always a very festive vibe and downtown St. Pete is very alive and growing fast now. It is over, the Trop died that night when the 120 mph winds came thru town, the roof was 10 years past its lifespan. R.I.P. I'd like to see Al Lang field in downtown St. Pete waterfront be the interim stadium, if possible, add some bleachers, concessions and maybe some sail sunshade/ rain canopy's overhead. It used to be the spring training home of the Rays and St. Petersburg has hosted more spring training games than any other city since 1914. All of the legends have played in St. Pete, its rich in baseball history. Keep it right in town to show strength of the community. If you do upgrades to Al Lang, in the future you could flex games to that venue a few times a year just to mix it up and make it a Spring Training Museum at the same time. It helps that Stu Sternberg the owner of the Rays also owns Al Lang field.
Easy to get to???? You ruin everything else you say by trying to delude everyone into thinking the Trop is easy to get to because for the majority of fans, IT IS NOT easy to get to, especially if you have to come over that bridge.
@@Kalbuir66 I'm originally from the Miami area and went over to see the Rays host the Marlins twice [2014 and last year]. It was easy to get to, with help from the GPS in the car.
Seeing a piece of the roof come down in the video appears to indicate they want no one inside the playing area and stands to start cleaning up until the engineers can do a thorough assessment of the structure. The person appears to stay within the concourse and not go into the stands.
That was my thought too. There are more pressing needs for building inspectors and cleanup crews in Florida, so this may have taken a few days to get to.
Brodie thanks for posting this. I think they definitely should be looking in to finding a place to play the Ray's home games then they can figure out what the plan is to fixing the stadium.
Daniel from watching the major local Tampa TV news outlets that the most likely option for this 2025 season at least is either 1) Yankees 10,000 seat Spring Training Ballpark in Downtown Tampa. 2) A ballpark at Disney World In Orlando. Subject to change though.
There are some good options but I just worry for the fan base amd I kmow the attendance wasn't great at the Trop but I hope fans can get to games to root for their ray's
I had an interview there right out of college when they were transforming it into a baseball field when the rays just had their offices on the second level. This is unbelievable. I am so sad about this.
Easiest solution - convert it to outdoor use and run with that until the new season is done. Im sure they already had some sort of plan as to what they were going to do with the old stadium once they moved to the new one - if it was going to be converted into a parking lot then convert away but if it was going to be used as a spare venue for concerts and such then you now have the opportunity to not only re-evaluate that but make alterations to the stadium that you otherwise may not have done before the disaster. On a side note, whoever thought that stadium would have been a safe spot to go to during a hurricane should be fired.
What makes you think that would be an "easy" solution? Are you an engineer? People saying this are ignorant, that facility is not engineered to take on water when it rains, absolutely no drainage, not to mention significant electrical issues. Come on people use your heads.
To everyone suggesting the Rays should play in Oakland. Stop it, thats absurd. The Rays play in the AL east and that would be a logistical nightmare....they cant pay anywhere in Florida other than share with the Marlins cause its too hot and rains everyday. They could move up to Durham NC and play there, or share with the Blue Jays, somewhere north east coast...
The Marlins played outdoors and won 2 World Series titles doing it. The Rays will probably stay local and play at Steinbrenner Field with some extra temporary seating until their new stadium is ready. Some people will say the Yankees won't go along with that but MLB will overrule them
@@martinprice9441plus the Yankees will get money for the use of the stadium. Tampa is a lot different than Miami in terms of weather. The way the storms work is they move from the east coast to the west coast. So Miami gets most of their storms in early afternoon while Tampa gets ours in the evening. Unless you have a west wind which is rare then it’s vice versa. The storms in Tampa go from 5-6PM sometimes until 10-11 PM. There is a reason Tampa Bay is the lightning capital of the world.
@@billcook4768 it absolutely does matter. There is still a 3 hour time difference and it still takes the same amount of time to fly across the country whether commercial or private jet. Are you stupid or something?
I know it's not going to happen. I know it's science fiction. But, let's say The Rays did opt to play in the Coliseum next season. They would have to have one hosting series against the A's. Imagine that. The A's playing in Oakland...AS A VISITOR
Oakland is in the Pacific Time Zone. Tampa Bay/St Petersburg is in the Eastern Time Zone. Since the Rays are going to stay in the area, playing this season in the Eastern or Central Time Zone is important for TV broadcasting reasons.
The manufacturer of the roof said it only had a 25 life span and it was already in year 33. You can bet the insurance company will consider that when it comes to paying out the replacement cost, if they pay anything towards it.
It’s sad that the Trop couldn’t have a better send off. I know people didn’t like the stadium but it’s had its purpose , it got other teams to build new stadiums and brought Tampa Bay an expansion team. 2 AL pennants were won playing here , teams with better venues didn’t achieve that kind of success.
Until they finish the inspection of the structure, it's not safe to have people inside cleaning up. If the roof structure was to fall, it would be extremely dangerous.
If I had to guess, it's both an insurance delay and investigation delay. Not sure anyone knows how to seal that roof off temporarily without demolishing it first. As for all the electronics inside...no doubt they are done. I've seen 6 games inside the baseball warehouse and while I'm not sad it's probably done, I don't want the Rays to go away...so hope they can figure out a place to play.
I remember the Expos had to play a good portion of their season totally as away games when their stadium was damaged. But the Rays situation could take years, who knows.
I have to say… there’s something beautiful about sunlight shining down on baseball field. It’s the way it’s supposed to be. Now maybe this field didn’t have the drainage and other accommodations to be an outdoor venue, but I truly believe that stadiums should be outdoors, and whatever replacement is built should be done so without a roof.
The "wall panels" you mentioned around 4:30 are actually slats that could be opened to the outside for ventilation. They were rarely opened during games (there's a pic on the internet). But they always looked like that.
Commish Manfred has already come out and said he would like to keep the Rays in west/central Florida in an interview with the Varsity podcast. With that in mind, I'm convinced they'll be at the Ballpark at Disney in Orlando. The team doesn't want to invest in replacing the roof at the Trop and the MLB/MiLB doesn't want to rearrange schedules and have another double-tenant minor league ballpark.
I know its probably the worst stadium in baseball but I have a lot of great memories there. Went to all 4 '08 ALCS games and will never forget Price closing out the Sox and how the place absolutely erupted. I was over in Pinellas Park yesterday and thought about going to see it just to see the damage but i just couldnt bring myself to it. Its sad, but so many people here are dealing with so much worse. At least we have the Bucs and Bolts in season now.
This situation almost reminds me of the Pontiac Silverdome. Before, the Pontiac Silverdome was demolished. No one fixed the roof. After, a snowstorm in Detroit. There's time for them to fix Tropicana Field. The longer this goes. The worst it's going to get. And, the Rays will end up relocating somewhere.
At this point the Rays should just play in a temporary stadium until their new one is done in 2028 I know it would suck in the short term but the trop might be done we’ll see though
Insurance will not cover this because the roof was almost 10 years beyond its life span. The facts are that ownership (building or Rays) cheaper out and did not replace it. The Ray’s will never play in that ballpark again.
They are estimating $125M plus for a new replacement roof. I'm wondering how much would it be to install a drainage system. I think the Trop looks a lot better as a open air facility.
It's not just the roof that would need replacing. Since Tropicana Field wasn't designed to be an outdoor facility, the entire interior of the stadium isn't weatherproof. This includes the light and speaker systems, which are up in the ceiling of the stadium.
It gets even better than most realise. California's bay area is very much tied to the team in Florida's bay area. Tropicana Feild was originally built for the Giants, until a group of investors including the Fisher family stepped up to keep them in San Fransisco and St Petersburg was instead given an expansion team. If the Rays become our team for the forseeable future with St Pete getting an expansion team when the new stadium is ready, the team that exists because the Fishers are Giants fans would fill the void of exactly why they wanted the A's gone. And they wouldn't have control over it. Also I think it's poetic that mother nature took "a trop for a trop", literally. Also because of players on my fantacy hockey team I was listening to a Lightning broadcast the other day and all the advertising saying something along the lines of "the best (fill in the blank) in the bay area" the whole time.
@@91_C4_FL They might not have a choice. They might tolerate John Fisher because he's John Fisher. But will they tolerate 2 minor league stadiums? I don't know.
@@urbex_coasters I think using their spring training facility/ESPN WWOS in Orlando is more likely. If this goes into the 2026 season, I'd be shocked if they didn't move into LoanDepot Park with the Marlins.
@@91_C4_FL They'd probably find it more favourable schedule wise to share a stadium with the Roots and Soul than the Marlins. And the SPRING training facilities aren't built for summer baseball.
I have a new idea, scrap the roof and add a drainage system in. For the 2025 season play March, April, and May at Tropicana, play June and July in San Juan, play August and September in Omaha, and go back to Tropicana for the playoffs if they make it. 2026 and 2027 seasons will be split between Tropicana field in spring and playoffs, and Loandepot stadium in the summer. Gasplant stadium is scrapped, it is robbing tax payers and St. Pete is not centrally located enough to support an MLB team. Team is moved to Orlando in stadium proposal near Sea World. Tropicana Field is not demolished and is kept as an open air ballpark used for some spring training and minor league games and special occasions, and concerts.
Is it impossible to just have an outdoor facility for Rays? I guess it's so very close to Gulf and gets a lot of rain days, but you don't have this kind of issue with storms. Or not with the roof at least. They need to go with an old-style roof like the Superdome has, I guess. It got tore up some by Katrina but not ripped off.
I am Semi Local to this and was impacted way less than most by this storm but Pat Williams is likely gonna get his wish. Come On Down Walt Disney World Rays imo. Even if only very temporarily.
Does anyone else get "the stadium got TPed" vibes watching this video? Also a suggestion for the Tampa fans: if you want, those of us who are Blue Jays fans can mail you a bunch of duct tape rolls and you'll be able to fix the roof up no problem, eh? It's the handyman's secret weapon!
Sounds like the roof was passed it’s service life similar to the metrodome. When they fixed the metrodome there was only one bidder for the project so it’s completely possible that nobody will bid to fix the Trop even if insurance would pay.
With the MetroDome, I believe the Carrier Dome in Syracuse had a similar air supported roof design and may have been able to help with some of roof replacement.
Honestly, it looks better already without the roof. I've been on that field and it is a terrible ballpark. Take the roof out completely. Remove the artificial turf. Tear out the concrete below it and bring in dirt. Put down some natural grass and make it a decent baseball stadium. I know it will need more work than that, but just having that natural lighting in already improves things.
Was there a few days before Milton, giving out waters and some lunches to the first responders. Been working there for two years, very upset it’s messed up. I know the rays sucked this season and I was about to need to go find a second job anyways due to the season being over but this was worse case scenario. And stop talking about just having it be an open stadium y’all. Trop doesn’t have the drainage system for it to be open.
Brodie, I want to ask your opinion on something, as well as a question. In the day or two following Hurricane Milton's landfall, people started gathering pieces of the Tropicana Field roof and were selling them on Ebay. I presume most if not all of those people got the pieces from outside, and I imagine there was quite a bit left inside. Despite the moral or ethical dilemmas that came with that, I am sure there is a market for collectors who may have wanted a piece, but its hard to know if you're getting the real thing. The Rays have a charity, the Rays Foundation, which sell or auction off baseball memorabilia often and the money goes towards benefiting the local community. I thought it would be a cool idea if the Rays gathered up pieces of that roof, and turned them into baseball cards much like what you see from card companies like Topps who put player jerseys or patches in a baseball card. Maybe there is even an opportunity for a partnership with a company like Topps as well. And the money from those authentic tarp cards could go to benefiting the local area. I think I'd buy one! My question is if they did do this, would you get one? Love your channel and content, keep it up!
appreciate the question... hard to say, honestly. I don't know if the fabric is even safe to be sold, distributed, etc. maybe if it raised money for charity or a good cause, possibly. and if your'e a rays fan, maybe you feel entirely different about it. hard for me to have a realistic take on it.
I remember I watched a Rays - A's doubleheader here, June 10, 2017, it's one of those 7-11 games for $7.11 and for some reason the A's mascot was there. The Rays won game 1 on a Longoria walkoff single. Edit: here's the A's mascot at the Trop ua-cam.com/video/9fP7BdSN5b8/v-deo.html
It may still be that way because of insurance, or it may still be untouched because the roof structure itself has been damaged and is considered to be unsafe. As far as playing at Steinbrenner field, doesn't a Yankee minor league team paly a short season there?
I had an interview there right out of college when they were transforming it into a baseball field when the rays just had their offices on the second level. My first job. This is unbelievable. I am so sad about this. Go, Astros.
I would bet the Rays wind up in San Antonio (the Alamodome can be configured for baseball) before Oakland. (Manford hates the East Bay even more than Fisher does.)
It’s ironic, the major sports leagues have emergency disaster plans if like a plane crash wipes out a whole team to draft/borrow players from the other league members, but there’s not a lot they can easily do if a natural disaster takes out their stadium or arena. A place to play can be just pot luck. The Chicago Cubs franchise actually suspended play for a couple of seasons after the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, having lost their stadium and equipment and finishing that campaign on the road. (They are considered to be the White Stockings back then.) MLB will make sure the Rays play somewhere, but sadly the Oakland Coliseum will still be empty.
Honestly just take the roof off... I know it will take more work then that but with the natural light, looks so different And if there gonna be playing in a minor league stadium in Tampa there gonna be dealing with rain delays so may as well stay
Taking the roof off won't be necessary. They just have to remove the remaining fabric. The two questions that do have to be answered are 1) will it affect the safety of the roof structure and 2) will the drainage of the stadium be able to handle downpours.
Removing the roof would mean having to install drainage for the rain because the field has no drainage system. Dig up the entire concrete floor under the artificial turf. Not a quick and easy job.
Putting another stadium in St. Pete is idiotic. The location of Tropicana field, and not just the stadium itself, is a big part of the reason their attendance stinks. WIth traffic, It's too difficult to get to for the main population centers in the Tampa area. You can't have just one road as the main way to get there, with long bridges as main spans of that road. The Marlins stadium will never work because it's too far south into Miami to get to and the traffic there now is just a complete nightmare. It should have been up in Miami Gardens or Hollywood, so people in West Palm, Boca, and Ft Lauderdale could more easily get there instead of spending 2+ hours in traffic one way.
@@billsmith3182and with this season’s schedule already done, it’s not going to happen. Not to mention, they would have to redo every Ray’s player’s contract since Florida has no state income tax and CA is one of the highest taxed states in the country.
@@FloridaCatholicGuy Yeah trust me I totally get it. Everyone on here suggesting they play in Oakland is ridiculous. It wouldnt work out logistically "unless" they got moved to the AL West which I know wont happen.
A conversion to an outdoor stadium would be awesome, but it would never happen. Maybe if $10m was spent to somewhat restore the turf/field to have 1 game, even with no crowd, that would be awesome as somewhat of a sendoff of the stadium
The Rays and their insurance company will be in litigation for a long time. No insurance company will easily hand over a check for $50 million plus. The insurance company will say poor maintenance led to the damage. A roof with tears and ten years past the time frame the manufacturer gave them will all be marked exhibits admitted as evidence.
The Rays, should inquire with the city of Oakland to see if they can play at the coliseum? If they get to go there and the citizens of Oakland show them their support, maybe MLB can get them a new expansion team in Oakland or maybe the Rays can relocate their
putting so many things aside ... and of course i mean if that is cleaned up and safe .... PLUS ... I am in Florida so i know about the sun and wanting AC ... but really ... i think it looks BETTER with natural light in ... like (again ignoring so many things when i say this) could they temp redo it ... not being a dome anymore. the natural light looks good in my view
I wonder what they would do if it was a brand new(and super expensive) stadium? I'm pretty sure they'd do a lot more than what they're doing now, which is nothing.
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St. Pete Local:
Cleanup has already begun. They've had crews working there regularly for the past few days and I've seen debris including roof fabric being dumped in containers Outside.
As for the "missing panels" on the back walls, these are actually large air ventilation vents and have always existed.
In conversation with a close friend who works in the front office, damage to the rafters and support beams "appear" to be ok and may lower the initial anticipated cost that was spread in the media. They're already working with a vendor for fabric and are pushing to get the trop back open before the 2026 season. (Fingers Crossed)
As for the upcoming season, I've been told they will have an extended stay at the Port Charlotte spring training site and will eventually move to the Disney complex in Kissimmee.
The biggest logistic issue for 2025 is getting road teams chartered planes into the area. The nearby Punta Gorda airport doesn't typically have space to park a large plane for an extended period of time and Sarasota airport is still facing issues post hurricane.
Ideally once the move to Orlando happens this will alleviate this issue. Unfortunately we should anticipate about a month of Baseball at the Spring Complex due to schedule agreements Disney has in place.
Didn't hear anything from me ...
Hell yeah, thank you Mr. insider
Why Disney over Steinbrenner Field?
@@AC-rd4ld Disney's stadium is available, the last team that called Disney home left in 2017. Steinbrenner Field still has the Tarpons.
@@SladeBling What team played in Disney before 2017?
Couldn’t road teams fly in and out of MCO?
This reminds me of the Pontiac Silverdome before it got demolished years after the Lions moved to Ford Field. It's sad to see any sports venue left in a mess.
Exactly! Or the Montreal Olympic Stadium if they had decided not to keep spending good money after bad on their empty but prestigious stadium...
Reminds me of the videos of the abandoned Pontiac Silverdome prior to its demolition.
I legitimately thought of the same thing when I first saw photos of Tropicana Field after Hurricane Milton.
It hasn't been cleaned up because of Insurance. They want the Insurance Company to assess the damage as it is.
It’s been long enough that insurance should have already been there.
@@GregoryFariss The insurance will take as long as they want haha
@@austinrobertstoledo What a horrible situation.
Walked my dog past the Trop the other day. So crazy seeing it with out a roof!
Keep up the good work, Brodie! I watch you every day.
Is it me, or does Tropicana Field look way better under natural light, like without the roof, than it does with the roof?
Way better. But with no drainage and the fact it rains everday in the summer and is a million degrees wont happen in Florida
It's you bro
It does but it can’t be used like that as there is no drainage the stadium was built as a indoor stadium especially the field
Mixed feelings. Maybe in a certain light it looks cool, but maybe it's just because it looks new and different. Either way, it's impractical for the weather in Florida.
Makes no sense when theres minor league stadiums and football plays without a roof. @billsmith3182
Hey Brodie, that section of wall above the Kane's Furniture sign is normal, it's not damaged that I can see. That was installed during the 1997 renovation. I think originally, I'm not too sure, it was suppose to be a window that opened up, however I don't ever remember it being opened.
I think the rays have already played their last game at the Trop. I would think the two most likely places for where the Rays would play are Steinbrenner Field and Al Lang Field. Steinbrenner is a good facility with a capacity of 11K, however it is controlled by the Yankees with whom the Rays would need permission to do anything. Also playing there would require relocating the Yankees Florida State League affiliate. Al Lang Field is controlled by the Rays. It is currently configured for Soccer, however, of all the possible locations in Tampa Bay, it might be the only one that could be expanded to seat 20K with temporary seating. Location would also be a big benefit of playing at AL Lang. Visiting teams would be able to stay at the same hotels that they have for the past 25 years. Players and staff wouldn't need to relocate at all. Lastly, being only about a mile from the Trop, staff could mostly all stay at the Trop, and players could still use the indoor facilities there such as hitting cages, pitching mounds, medical and physical training, video rooms, etc. Lastly, as a kid I watched many baseball games Al Lang during the summer. You often get a nice cool breeze off the water, so it feels cooler than other locations in the area. This is the location where the Rays wanted to build a new stadium with just a canopy back in 2008.
This seems to be the most sensible idea I've seen proposed yet.
That's an excellent idea.
Al Lang Stadium might be the better option of the two for the Rays for the reasons you stated.
Business might boom there, be beneficial for all involved.
Lots of businesses might make mad bank.
I mean mad bank in a good way.
They should take the time and design/build a new ETFE roof that will filter light but give you that natural daylight experience that all ballparks really need... Better than a sloppy rush job that will only need constant repairs...
Seeing this breaks my heart but im glad nobody got hurt
I drive by the stadium daily on my commute to work and that falling piece of fabric is actually from workers assessing the roof and cleaning off the remaining pieces
There has to be ongoing damage occurring with every rain to the electronics. To the the scoreboards, lighting, and communications.
correct
Thanks Brodie for the update. I only attended one game at this venue back in 2010 and I understand the pain. Some Rays’ fans may be going through at this time but I believe it’s time for them to just find somewhere else to play for the upcoming seasons.
That roof material is custom made by a company called Birdair. As an architect who has had experience using the material, you will not see a replacement installed by the start of the coming season. The lead time for the production of the panels and installation could take a year or more. On the other hand, I am not sure that the electrical systems suspended from the rings that once supported the fabric room are rated for exposure to rain, so that may not function properly without the roof. This would include critical systems like the lighting and sound. This is not a problem that will be easily repaired by the next opening day.
The stadium is done.
Miss you on the Sharks Broadcast. It's not the same without you!
The Rays are my team and I've been to the stadium, the Trop at least 40+ times for games, after game concerts, playoffs, World Series 2008 against the Phillies, college football and the Shriners game, date nights, boat shows, trade shows, could have been a second World series in 2020, but covid ruined that for us. It was the laughing stock stadium of MLB that everyone poked fun at, and I get it, but you know it wasn't all that bad ,was a comfortable 70 degrees in July, no rain outs, It's easy to get to despite what others say, Sting Ray Tanks, tickets were as cheap as $8, get to see MLB games close up against all the best teams, pregame at Ferg's sports bar next door, it was always a very festive vibe and downtown St. Pete is very alive and growing fast now. It is over, the Trop died that night when the 120 mph winds came thru town, the roof was 10 years past its lifespan. R.I.P. I'd like to see Al Lang field in downtown St. Pete waterfront be the interim stadium, if possible, add some bleachers, concessions and maybe some sail sunshade/ rain canopy's overhead. It used to be the spring training home of the Rays and St. Petersburg has hosted more spring training games than any other city since 1914. All of the legends have played in St. Pete, its rich in baseball history. Keep it right in town to show strength of the community. If you do upgrades to Al Lang, in the future you could flex games to that venue a few times a year just to mix it up and make it a Spring Training Museum at the same time. It helps that Stu Sternberg the owner of the Rays also owns Al Lang field.
Easy to get to???? You ruin everything else you say by trying to delude everyone into thinking the Trop is easy to get to because for the majority of fans, IT IS NOT easy to get to, especially if you have to come over that bridge.
I've been there four times driving over from Jax. Always had a pleasant time. It's a shame for Rays fans.
@@Kalbuir66 I'm originally from the Miami area and went over to see the Rays host the Marlins twice [2014 and last year]. It was easy to get to, with help from the GPS in the car.
Seeing a piece of the roof come down in the video appears to indicate they want no one inside the playing area and stands to start cleaning up until the engineers can do a thorough assessment of the structure. The person appears to stay within the concourse and not go into the stands.
That was my thought too. There are more pressing needs for building inspectors and cleanup crews in Florida, so this may have taken a few days to get to.
Brodie thanks for posting this. I think they definitely should be looking in to finding a place to play the Ray's home games then they can figure out what the plan is to fixing the stadium.
Daniel from watching the major local Tampa TV news outlets that the most likely option for this 2025 season at least is either 1) Yankees 10,000 seat Spring Training Ballpark in Downtown Tampa. 2) A ballpark at Disney World In Orlando.
Subject to change though.
There are some good options but I just worry for the fan base amd I kmow the attendance wasn't great at the Trop but I hope fans can get to games to root for their ray's
@@americangiant1003the Yankees spring training stadium is no where near downtown Tampa 😂
@@jeremybingham7505 Sorry you are correct. Mistyped. Meant in Tampa City Proper for the Yankees Spring Training ballpark.
I had an interview there right out of college when they were transforming it into a baseball field when the rays just had their offices on the second level. This is unbelievable. I am so sad about this.
Easiest solution - convert it to outdoor use and run with that until the new season is done. Im sure they already had some sort of plan as to what they were going to do with the old stadium once they moved to the new one - if it was going to be converted into a parking lot then convert away but if it was going to be used as a spare venue for concerts and such then you now have the opportunity to not only re-evaluate that but make alterations to the stadium that you otherwise may not have done before the disaster. On a side note, whoever thought that stadium would have been a safe spot to go to during a hurricane should be fired.
What makes you think that would be an "easy" solution? Are you an engineer? People saying this are ignorant, that facility is not engineered to take on water when it rains, absolutely no drainage, not to mention significant electrical issues. Come on people use your heads.
Thanks for the information Brodie. I've heard nothing in the way of news on sports radio/tv.
Best idea. Implode the Trop. Why spend money to fix a stadium that you are going to move out of when you are going to spend money for a new stadium.
Orlando Rays just makes sense for the next few years until the new stadium gets built
To everyone suggesting the Rays should play in Oakland. Stop it, thats absurd. The Rays play in the AL east and that would be a logistical nightmare....they cant pay anywhere in Florida other than share with the Marlins cause its too hot and rains everyday. They could move up to Durham NC and play there, or share with the Blue Jays, somewhere north east coast...
The Marlins played outdoors and won 2 World Series titles doing it. The Rays will probably stay local and play at Steinbrenner Field with some extra temporary seating until their new stadium is ready. Some people will say the Yankees won't go along with that but MLB will overrule them
@@martinprice9441plus the Yankees will get money for the use of the stadium. Tampa is a lot different than Miami in terms of weather. The way the storms work is they move from the east coast to the west coast. So Miami gets most of their storms in early afternoon while Tampa gets ours in the evening. Unless you have a west wind which is rare then it’s vice versa. The storms in Tampa go from 5-6PM sometimes until 10-11 PM. There is a reason Tampa Bay is the lightning capital of the world.
That was never a serious suggestion, it’s just a joke.
In an era of private jets, east/west doesn’t matter
@@billcook4768 it absolutely does matter. There is still a 3 hour time difference and it still takes the same amount of time to fly across the country whether commercial or private jet. Are you stupid or something?
I live in Pinellas county, luckily it hasn't rained since the hurricane. I imagine more damage will occur if it does.
I know it's not going to happen. I know it's science fiction. But, let's say The Rays did opt to play in the Coliseum next season. They would have to have one hosting series against the A's. Imagine that. The A's playing in Oakland...AS A VISITOR
I was thinking of sharing the field in Sacramento with the A’s. But this is better.
Oakland is in the Pacific Time Zone. Tampa Bay/St Petersburg is in the Eastern Time Zone. Since the Rays are going to stay in the area, playing this season in the Eastern or Central Time Zone is important for TV broadcasting reasons.
The rays are getting a new stadium, the A’s are moving to Las Vegas.
You can bet that insurance won't cover 100% of the damage. I'm guessing no more than 50% of the total cost of replacing the roof and cleanup if that.
The manufacturer of the roof said it only had a 25 life span and it was already in year 33. You can bet the insurance company will consider that when it comes to paying out the replacement cost, if they pay anything towards it.
Insurance almost never covers the 100% of the damage. More likely than not, the insurance company may declare the Trop a total loss.
This is sad to see. I'm sure a lot of great memories were made in this field.
lol
People hate this place and I don't know why.
It’s sad that the Trop couldn’t have a better send off. I know people didn’t like the stadium but it’s had its purpose , it got other teams to build new stadiums and brought Tampa Bay an expansion team. 2 AL pennants were won playing here , teams with better venues didn’t achieve that kind of success.
Until they finish the inspection of the structure, it's not safe to have people inside cleaning up. If the roof structure was to fall, it would be extremely dangerous.
If I had to guess, it's both an insurance delay and investigation delay. Not sure anyone knows how to seal that roof off temporarily without demolishing it first. As for all the electronics inside...no doubt they are done. I've seen 6 games inside the baseball warehouse and while I'm not sad it's probably done, I don't want the Rays to go away...so hope they can figure out a place to play.
Have the Rays play their home games at Jarry Parc in Montreal.
They need to add this version of the arena in MLB the show 25 lol
I remember the Expos had to play a good portion of their season totally as away games when their stadium was damaged. But the Rays situation could take years, who knows.
I have to say… there’s something beautiful about sunlight shining down on baseball field. It’s the way it’s supposed to be.
Now maybe this field didn’t have the drainage and other accommodations to be an outdoor venue, but I truly believe that stadiums should be outdoors, and whatever replacement is built should be done so without a roof.
The "wall panels" you mentioned around 4:30 are actually slats that could be opened to the outside for ventilation. They were rarely opened during games (there's a pic on the internet). But they always looked like that.
NGL - Damage mess aside, the stadium actually looks nice in natural sunlight.
Kind of reminds me of the Pontiac Silverdome there was someone that had uploaded a video of them sneaking into the stadium.
Commish Manfred has already come out and said he would like to keep the Rays in west/central Florida in an interview with the Varsity podcast. With that in mind, I'm convinced they'll be at the Ballpark at Disney in Orlando. The team doesn't want to invest in replacing the roof at the Trop and the MLB/MiLB doesn't want to rearrange schedules and have another double-tenant minor league ballpark.
The Rays are not playing in Oakland it's 3, 000 miles away
MLB will never return to Oakland
I know its probably the worst stadium in baseball but I have a lot of great memories there. Went to all 4 '08 ALCS games and will never forget Price closing out the Sox and how the place absolutely erupted. I was over in Pinellas Park yesterday and thought about going to see it just to see the damage but i just couldnt bring myself to it. Its sad, but so many people here are dealing with so much worse. At least we have the Bucs and Bolts in season now.
This situation almost reminds me of the Pontiac Silverdome. Before, the Pontiac Silverdome was demolished. No one fixed the roof. After, a snowstorm in Detroit. There's time for them to fix Tropicana Field. The longer this goes. The worst it's going to get. And, the Rays will end up relocating somewhere.
At this point the Rays should just play in a temporary stadium until their new one is done in 2028 I know it would suck in the short term but the trop might be done we’ll see though
Looks nice. Add in some drains and will be good to go
It’s totaled and they know it. Move on to the transitional solution and build the new ballpark.
Insurance will not cover this because the roof was almost 10 years beyond its life span. The facts are that ownership (building or Rays) cheaper out and did not replace it. The Ray’s will never play in that ballpark again.
This is old, they've had clean up crews there all week. Yeah, those are air vents not missing panels.
They are estimating $125M plus for a new replacement roof. I'm wondering how much would it be to install a drainage system. I think the Trop looks a lot better as a open air facility.
It's not just the roof that would need replacing. Since Tropicana Field wasn't designed to be an outdoor facility, the entire interior of the stadium isn't weatherproof. This includes the light and speaker systems, which are up in the ceiling of the stadium.
About a week ago I was on eBay and people was actually selling pieces of that on there between 100 and $150
The city of Oakland has the opportunity to do the funniest thing ever...
It gets even better than most realise. California's bay area is very much tied to the team in Florida's bay area. Tropicana Feild was originally built for the Giants, until a group of investors including the Fisher family stepped up to keep them in San Fransisco and St Petersburg was instead given an expansion team. If the Rays become our team for the forseeable future with St Pete getting an expansion team when the new stadium is ready, the team that exists because the Fishers are Giants fans would fill the void of exactly why they wanted the A's gone. And they wouldn't have control over it. Also I think it's poetic that mother nature took "a trop for a trop", literally. Also because of players on my fantacy hockey team I was listening to a Lightning broadcast the other day and all the advertising saying something along the lines of "the best (fill in the blank) in the bay area" the whole time.
MLB already said they want the Rays playing in the Tampa Bay Area.
@@91_C4_FL They might not have a choice. They might tolerate John Fisher because he's John Fisher. But will they tolerate 2 minor league stadiums? I don't know.
@@urbex_coasters I think using their spring training facility/ESPN WWOS in Orlando is more likely. If this goes into the 2026 season, I'd be shocked if they didn't move into LoanDepot Park with the Marlins.
@@91_C4_FL They'd probably find it more favourable schedule wise to share a stadium with the Roots and Soul than the Marlins. And the SPRING training facilities aren't built for summer baseball.
I have a new idea, scrap the roof and add a drainage system in. For the 2025 season play March, April, and May at Tropicana, play June and July in San Juan, play August and September in Omaha, and go back to Tropicana for the playoffs if they make it. 2026 and 2027 seasons will be split between Tropicana field in spring and playoffs, and Loandepot stadium in the summer. Gasplant stadium is scrapped, it is robbing tax payers and St. Pete is not centrally located enough to support an MLB team. Team is moved to Orlando in stadium proposal near Sea World. Tropicana Field is not demolished and is kept as an open air ballpark used for some spring training and minor league games and special occasions, and concerts.
nice, looks better without a cheap roof.
This is ridiculous. The place looks dry. Put up some sort of tarp and get it done. There are so many different material options for the roof.
If it wasn’t for a lack of a drainage system for the field it would almost be cheaper to make it an outdoor stadium until the Rays new stadium opens.
Is it impossible to just have an outdoor facility for Rays? I guess it's so very close to Gulf and gets a lot of rain days, but you don't have this kind of issue with storms. Or not with the roof at least. They need to go with an old-style roof like the Superdome has, I guess. It got tore up some by Katrina but not ripped off.
The Marlins played many years in an open air stadium. Not optimal, but shows it can work temporarily.
Let them play in London like the NFL.
I am Semi Local to this and was impacted way less than most by this storm but Pat Williams is likely gonna get his wish. Come On Down Walt Disney World Rays imo. Even if only very temporarily.
Pat passed on, btw.
@@AC-rd4ld I am aware Semi Local to Tampa would be Orlando hence the reference.
@@Skeet284Ok, the way you phrased it, I was not sure.
Does anyone else get "the stadium got TPed" vibes watching this video?
Also a suggestion for the Tampa fans: if you want, those of us who are Blue Jays fans can mail you a bunch of duct tape rolls and you'll be able to fix the roof up no problem, eh? It's the handyman's secret weapon!
Sounds like the roof was passed it’s service life similar to the metrodome. When they fixed the metrodome there was only one bidder for the project so it’s completely possible that nobody will bid to fix the Trop even if insurance would pay.
With the MetroDome, I believe the Carrier Dome in Syracuse had a similar air supported roof design and may have been able to help with some of roof replacement.
Honestly, it looks better already without the roof. I've been on that field and it is a terrible ballpark. Take the roof out completely. Remove the artificial turf. Tear out the concrete below it and bring in dirt. Put down some natural grass and make it a decent baseball stadium. I know it will need more work than that, but just having that natural lighting in already improves things.
I always thought if they just used a giant can opener this "thing" would be better.
Is Brodie Brazil from Brazil.???
Rays should consider playing at the Alamodome in San Antonio for at least part of the season.
When was the video taken?
Nice polo bro
Early pics of the damaged roof shows the field lights were on, so that system is probably not trashed.
Milton hit 3 weeks ago, looks like they haven't done a danm thing in repairs
Just tape down some garbage bags on the top like I did when I had my rear window on my car shatter before I could get it replaced. Easy work.
You should call the Rays with that idea ASAP
With A’s in Sacramento and Rays potentially not playing in the Trop might be the first mlb season with no bullpen on the field.
Was there a few days before Milton, giving out waters and some lunches to the first responders. Been working there for two years, very upset it’s messed up. I know the rays sucked this season and I was about to need to go find a second job anyways due to the season being over but this was worse case scenario. And stop talking about just having it be an open stadium y’all. Trop doesn’t have the drainage system for it to be open.
It does look good in natural light just clean up the mess and forget the new roof
It's crazy to think that MLB wants to expand, but in 2025 they will have 2 clubs playing in minor league parks.
Looks fine , play ball !
Brodie, I want to ask your opinion on something, as well as a question.
In the day or two following Hurricane Milton's landfall, people started gathering pieces of the Tropicana Field roof and were selling them on Ebay. I presume most if not all of those people got the pieces from outside, and I imagine there was quite a bit left inside. Despite the moral or ethical dilemmas that came with that, I am sure there is a market for collectors who may have wanted a piece, but its hard to know if you're getting the real thing.
The Rays have a charity, the Rays Foundation, which sell or auction off baseball memorabilia often and the money goes towards benefiting the local community. I thought it would be a cool idea if the Rays gathered up pieces of that roof, and turned them into baseball cards much like what you see from card companies like Topps who put player jerseys or patches in a baseball card. Maybe there is even an opportunity for a partnership with a company like Topps as well. And the money from those authentic tarp cards could go to benefiting the local area. I think I'd buy one!
My question is if they did do this, would you get one?
Love your channel and content, keep it up!
appreciate the question... hard to say, honestly. I don't know if the fabric is even safe to be sold, distributed, etc. maybe if it raised money for charity or a good cause, possibly. and if your'e a rays fan, maybe you feel entirely different about it. hard for me to have a realistic take on it.
I remember I watched a Rays - A's doubleheader here, June 10, 2017, it's one of those 7-11 games for $7.11 and for some reason the A's mascot was there. The Rays won game 1 on a Longoria walkoff single.
Edit: here's the A's mascot at the Trop ua-cam.com/video/9fP7BdSN5b8/v-deo.html
It may still be that way because of insurance, or it may still be untouched because the roof structure itself has been damaged and is considered to be unsafe.
As far as playing at Steinbrenner field, doesn't a Yankee minor league team paly a short season there?
It actually looks better as an open air stadium.
I feel like the more that keeps stacking up in damages the more it points to demolition.
I had an interview there right out of college when they were transforming it into a baseball field when the rays just had their offices on the second level. My first job. This is unbelievable. I am so sad about this. Go, Astros.
oakland rays here we come
I would bet the Rays wind up in San Antonio (the Alamodome can be configured for baseball) before Oakland. (Manford hates the East Bay even more than Fisher does.)
MLB will never return to Oakland
The roof was shredded, but the wind didn't blow all those cots around? Weird.
It’s ironic, the major sports leagues have emergency disaster plans if like a plane crash wipes out a whole team to draft/borrow players from the other league members, but there’s not a lot they can easily do if a natural disaster takes out their stadium or arena. A place to play can be just pot luck.
The Chicago Cubs franchise actually suspended play for a couple of seasons after the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, having lost their stadium and equipment and finishing that campaign on the road. (They are considered to be the White Stockings back then.)
MLB will make sure the Rays play somewhere, but sadly the Oakland Coliseum will still be empty.
Honestly just take the roof off... I know it will take more work then that but with the natural light, looks so different
And if there gonna be playing in a minor league stadium in Tampa there gonna be dealing with rain delays so may as well stay
Taking the roof off won't be necessary. They just have to remove the remaining fabric. The two questions that do have to be answered are 1) will it affect the safety of the roof structure and 2) will the drainage of the stadium be able to handle downpours.
Removing the roof would mean having to install drainage for the rain because the field has no drainage system. Dig up the entire concrete floor under the artificial turf. Not a quick and easy job.
Creating a field that has a drainage system will take months and be expensive
Putting another stadium in St. Pete is idiotic. The location of Tropicana field, and not just the stadium itself, is a big part of the reason their attendance stinks. WIth traffic, It's too difficult to get to for the main population centers in the Tampa area. You can't have just one road as the main way to get there, with long bridges as main spans of that road. The Marlins stadium will never work because it's too far south into Miami to get to and the traffic there now is just a complete nightmare. It should have been up in Miami Gardens or Hollywood, so people in West Palm, Boca, and Ft Lauderdale could more easily get there instead of spending 2+ hours in traffic one way.
Oakland Rays…. It works
Only if they move the team to the AL West.
@@billsmith3182and with this season’s schedule already done, it’s not going to happen. Not to mention, they would have to redo every Ray’s player’s contract since Florida has no state income tax and CA is one of the highest taxed states in the country.
@@FloridaCatholicGuy Yeah trust me I totally get it. Everyone on here suggesting they play in Oakland is ridiculous. It wouldnt work out logistically "unless" they got moved to the AL West which I know wont happen.
@@billsmith3182It's too late to put the Rays in the AL west for 2025
A conversion to an outdoor stadium would be awesome, but it would never happen. Maybe if $10m was spent to somewhat restore the turf/field to have 1 game, even with no crowd, that would be awesome as somewhat of a sendoff of the stadium
Ya it’s done. They will be demolishing it
Have the Rays play their home games in the Milwaukee Retracto Dome. Florida wont miss them.
The Rays and their insurance company will be in litigation for a long time. No insurance company will easily hand over a check for $50 million plus. The insurance company will say poor maintenance led to the damage. A roof with tears and ten years past the time frame the manufacturer gave them will all be marked exhibits admitted as evidence.
We may actually be looking at a condemned building.
What if they just removed the roof all together and made it an out door stadium temporarily for 2-4 years. looks nice with natural light.
I think it’s safe to say that the Trop is toast and done. Seeing all of this, they’re never playing at the Trop again.
The Rays, should inquire with the city of Oakland to see if they can play at the coliseum? If they get to go there and the citizens of Oakland show them their support, maybe MLB can get them a new expansion team in Oakland or maybe the Rays can relocate their
And baseball hasn’t even talked about it they are so in love with ohtani instead
Good thing I use my tickets early summer was a long time fan to Tropicana games, this is upsetting to do nothing. 😠
putting so many things aside ... and of course i mean if that is cleaned up and safe .... PLUS ... I am in Florida so i know about the sun and wanting AC ... but really ... i think it looks BETTER with natural light in ... like (again ignoring so many things when i say this) could they temp redo it ... not being a dome anymore.
the natural light looks good in my view
Taking down the rigging is probably going to require a special company and that will take time to schedule.
Fyi the roof was pretty much transparent and it was light in there during the day
God has rendered judgement on the Trop. He has the same opinion as the rest of us.
I wonder what they would do if it was a brand new(and super expensive) stadium?
I'm pretty sure they'd do a lot more than what they're doing now, which is nothing.