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St. Petersburg, FL - Crews in St. Petersburg are making steady progress repairing Tropicana Field’s roof after it was damaged during Hurricane Milton.
The $60 million project involves replacing 24 massive roof panels and is expected to be completed before the Tampa Bay Rays’ 2026 home opener.
According to city officials, the work remains on schedule, with 18 of the 24 panels already installed.
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The new roof is designed to withstand winds up to 165 mph, offering stronger protection against future storms.
Each panel weighs about 5,000 pounds and takes nearly a week to pull, secure, and fasten in place.
The project is a global collaboration. The Serge Ferrari Group, a French company, designed the fiberglass membrane that was manufactured in Germany, fabricated in China, and shipped to Tampa for installation.
The panels are coated with a Teflon-like material to resist weather damage and naturally lighten in color once exposed to sunlight.
Enclos Tensile Structures, the company leading the installation, said some crew members also worked on the stadium’s original roof.
Due to the Trop’s design, the work relies on cranes and rope-access technicians instead of standard lift equipment, adding to the project’s complexity.
City officials said they are legally responsible for the repairs under an existing maintenance agreement with the team.
Once the roof is complete, crews will move on to interior updates and turf replacement. The project aims to restore the stadium’s full functionality and extend its lifespan beyond 20 years.