The Tampa Bay Rays will be playing their 2025 home games at the New York Yankees’ spring training ballpark, Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, due to uncertainty surrounding the future of their hurricane-damaged Tropicana Field. The decision was made by Rays executives, including principal owner Stuart Sternberg, who emphasized that the 11,000-seat stadium provides the best opportunity for fans to experience Major League Baseball in a small environment. Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred stated that this agreement is beneficial for both the sport and the Tampa Bay region, ensuring that Rays fans can watch their team play in their home market.
The Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, which has been the Rays’ home since 1998, suffered significant damage from Hurricane Milton, with repairs estimated at $55.7 million to be ready for the 2026 season. The city of St. Petersburg is considering the cost and repair needs, while also planning for a new $1.3 billion, 30,000-seat stadium to replace Tropicana Field in 2028 as part of the Historic Gas Plant District urban revitalization project. Amidst the uncertainty, the Rays are preparing to play their 2025 season in an outdoor ballpark operated by the Yankees, with weather challenges and a focus on putting their brand into Steinbrenner Field before their first game on March 27.
Steinbrenner Field, originally known as Legends Field, opened in 1996 and was named after George Steinbrenner, the longtime owner of the Yankees who had deep roots in Tampa before his passing in 2010. The ballpark features a facade mimicking that of Yankee Stadium and pays tribute to retired Yankee players with plaques. Sternberg praised Hal Steinbrenner, the Yankees executive, for his instrumental role in securing the deal with the Rays, acknowledging the significance of the partnership between the two American League East division rivals in this challenging situation. The Yankees’ minor league team, the Tampa Tarpons, also plays their home games at Steinbrenner Field during the summer.
The move to play at Steinbrenner Field comes with logistical and operational challenges for the Rays, including transitioning from their indoor, domed ballpark to an outdoor setting in the hot, rainy Florida summer climate. Despite the differences, Rays co-president Brian Auld expressed confidence in preparing for the upcoming season and integrating the team’s brand into the new venue. The agreement between the Rays and Yankees reflects a sense of unity and collaboration in the face of natural disasters, with Hal Steinbrenner emphasizing the importance of supporting the community in post-hurricane recovery efforts. While the specifics of the arrangement are still being finalized, both organizations are committed to making the 2025 season a success for players, fans, and the Tampa Bay region as a whole.
Overall, the decision to relocate the Rays’ home games to Steinbrenner Field for the 2025 season signals a unique partnership between two major league teams, driven by the need for practical solutions in the aftermath of hurricane damage. The move underscores the resilience and adaptability of the Rays organization, as they navigate a temporary change in venue while also planning for the future of their home stadium. With the support of the Yankees and the broader community in Tampa Bay, the Rays are poised to continue providing high-quality baseball entertainment to their fans, even in challenging circumstances. This collaboration serves as a reminder of the importance of coming together in times of adversity to support local businesses, families, and the spirit of the game.
