Rays Find Temporary Home at Steinbrenner Field
In a move prompted by the wrath of Hurricane Milton, the Tampa Bay Rays have announced that they will play their home games at Steinbrenner Field for the 2025 Major League Baseball season. The destructive impact of the hurricane left Tropicana Field unusable, necessitating this significant relocation.
The unexpected damage inflicted upon Tropicana Field has had far-reaching consequences. The stadium, situated in St. Petersburg, was heavily damaged, thereby forcing the Rays to seek temporary accommodations. Consequently, the efforts to get the team back on the field led them to the facility in Tampa, known primarily as the spring training grounds for the New York Yankees.
Steinbrenner Field, while rich in baseball heritage, poses a challenge in terms of seating capacity. With a maximum of 11,000 seats, it offers significantly less room than Tropicana Field, where the Rays routinely averaged over 16,500 attendees per game during the 2024 season. This reduction in available seating will undoubtedly affect ticket sales and could alter the game-day experience for fans used to the amenities of their usual venue.
“The hurricane damage to Tropicana Field has forced us to take some extraordinary steps,” remarked Rays owner Stuart Sternberg. His acknowledgment of the unexpected challenges highlights the collaborative effort required to adjust to this unforeseen situation. The organization has expressed gratitude towards the New York Yankees for accommodating their needs during this difficult time. “We deeply appreciate that the Yankees have graciously allowed us to play at Steinbrenner Field for the 2025 season,” Sternberg added.
Steinbrenner Field isn't just a temporary shelter for the Rays; it is also the home of the Tampa Tarpons, the A-ball affiliate of the Yankees. This dual occupancy necessitates careful scheduling to ensure that the Rays and the Tarpons can coexist harmoniously during their overlapping seasons. Fortunately, the 2025 season schedules were confirmed by Minor League Baseball as early as August, giving both organizations time to plan accordingly.
The St. Petersburg City Council has projected that repairs to Tropicana Field will be completed in time for the 2026 season, with an anticipated cost exceeding $55 million. These improvements are eagerly awaited by the club and its fans, as many look forward to a return to their familiar ballpark. Until then, the Rays intend to make the most of their temporary residence and are planning a smooth transition both on and off the field.
Looking further ahead, the Rays are already making strides towards a long-term solution to ensure stability and growth for the franchise. Plans have been set in motion to relocate to a new stadium by the 2028 season, a prospect that promises to elevate the team's facilities and fan experience.
The move to Steinbrenner Field, while not without its challenges, represents a commitment by the Rays to continue delivering Major League Baseball to their supporters amidst recovery efforts. As the organization navigates this interim phase, both the athletes and fans will embrace Tampa's baseball community spirit, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.