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In a recent city council meeting, the St. Petersburg City Council approved an additional $5.3 million for repairs at the aging ballpark, which adds to a staggering total of $38.5 million allocated to fix the roof and maintain the facility. The city now faces an obligation of approximately $56 million to ensure the Rays have a place to play, dictated by the terms of a lease that prevents them from simply demolishing the stadium or allowing it to fall into disrepair.
The ironic twist? The Rays are looking to escape Tropicana Field as quickly as possible. Since baseball mandates they return to Tropicana for the next season, the city finds itself financially investing in a facility that the team does not wish to occupy.