Tropicana Field reopens after repairs and Rays win at home

Tropicana Field reopened to fans after about 18 months of repairs following Hurricane Milton, and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Chicago Cubs 6-4 before a sold-out crowd of 25,114.

Tropicana Field reopened to fans on Monday after about 18 months while repairs were completed following Hurricane Milton. Staff were finishing work in the hours before gates opened at 2:10 p.m., with wet paint and drywall still being installed, CEO Ken Babby said. A pregame ceremony acknowledged the repair teams and first responders. The Rays hosted a sold-out crowd and beat the Chicago Cubs 6-4. Reopening and game details: - Gates opened at 2:10 p.m. after the stadium had been closed for 561 days. - Officials and staff worked late to complete repairs that addressed damage caused by Hurricane Milton; Babby said it took "not a lot of sleep" and "a lot of energy." - Shane McClanahan started for the Rays and threw a 93.4 mph fastball to Nico Hoerner. - Cedric Mullins, Junior Caminero and Jonathan Aranda hit home runs during the game, which finished 6-4. - Pregame events included a video showing the damage and repair work, the national anthem performed by Eric Church, and a large American flag unfurled by roof workers, first responders and Rays staff. Summary: The reopening represents a community-led recovery and a symbolic homecoming for the team and the city. Undetermined at this time.