Tropicana Field was set to host World Series Game 3 on Oct. 26, 2026, Eric Fisher reported for Front Office Sports. Ahead of the scheduled game, the Rays were trying to overcome a 0-2 World Series deficit to the Milwaukee Brewers. MLB also posted that Game 3 would be played at the stadium.
Two years earlier, Hurricane Milton tore off Tropicana Field’s fiberglass-fabric roof and caused sizable interior damage, Fisher reported. The damage forced the Rays to spend a year at the Yankees’ nearby spring training facility. Returning to the publicly owned stadium required a $60 million restoration, according to Front Office Sports.
The Rays initially questioned whether the damage would allow them to return for the 2026 season, Front Office Sports reported. The restored ballpark has updated suites, a new turf field, an upgraded video board and an improved locker room. Rays CEO Ken Babby told the outlet, “When you look back, a year ago, we didn’t have a roof over our heads. We didn’t have a home.”
Rays manager Kevin Cash praised the fan support at Tropicana Field during the playoff run. Even as the club prepared to play World Series Game 3 there, Front Office Sports reported that the Rays were pursuing a planned new ballpark in Tampa.
