Rays Return Home: Tropicana Field Reopens After Hurricane Repairs

Tampa Bay Rays welcome back fans to Tropicana Field

Tampa Bay Rays return to Tropicana Field after 18-month renovation following Hurricane Milton damage. Catch the home opener vs. Chicago Cubs.

Rays welcome fans back to Tropicana Field with 6-4 win over Cubs, marking the team's first home game since hurricane repairs...

Rays triumph in emotional first game back at Tropicana Field since hurricane devastation.

 

The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Chicago Cubs 6-4 on Monday in their long-awaited return to Tropicana Field their first home game since Hurricane Milton ravaged the stadium in October 2024.

It had been exactly 561 days since the Rays last played in their home ballpark. The team barely beat the clock to get the stadium ready, with drywall still being installed and fresh paint drying in several areas just hours before the first pitch.

You had to be here#RaysUp | #RaysWin pic.twitter.com/fEHcl6A3QK

— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) April 6, 2026

But the fans didn't care about the stats – they just wanted their team back on track, and the Spurs delivered, beating the 76ers 115-102.

“This is a great American comeback story. When I walked into this building for the first time, I myself wondered if baseball would ever be played here again,” said CEO CEO Ken Babby. “For our staff, for the city, for the community, and for our fans, this is a true homecoming. It's a real incredible moment for baseball.”

Home Run Party Lifts Rays

Three Rays players homered, sparking a 6-4 win over the Cubs and gifting fans a thrilling homecoming. Cedric Mullins, Junior Caminero, and Jonathan Aranda went deep, with Mullins launching his first as a Ray. The win puts Tampa Bay at 5-5, second in the AL East behind the Yankees (7-1).

McClanahan Solid, but Stats Flattered

Shane McClanahan tossed four shaky innings, allowing two runs on one hit with four walks and five Ks. Despite the rocky outing, the Rays bullpen held firm, securing the 6-4 win.

The Rays are set to ditch Tropicana Field for a new digs in 2029. The new stadium is expected to be a game-changer for the team, but for now, they're making do with their retrofitted home (details here)