Rays Find Temporary Home at Steinbrenner Field for 2025 Season
In the wake of Hurricane Milton's devastation, the Tampa Bay Rays are set to make Steinbrenner Field their home base for the 2025 Major League Baseball season. The decision followed significant damage to Tropicana Field, the Rays' traditional venue in St. Petersburg, Florida, leaving the organization with no choice but to find alternative accommodations.
Steinbrenner Field, renowned as the spring training grounds for the New York Yankees, is located in Tampa, Florida. This facility, which also hosts the Yankees' A-ball affiliate, the Tampa Tarpons, boasts dimensions identical to those of Yankee Stadium and can accommodate up to 11,000 fans. However, this represents a decrease from the Rays' 2024 season average attendance, which was just over 16,500 paid tickets per game.
Displaced by the Storm
The damage inflicted by Hurricane Milton has prompted the Rays to initiate temporary plans while repairs at Tropicana Field progress; a St. Petersburg City Council report estimates that the dome roof repairs will be completed in time for the 2026 season. The cost of these repairs is anticipated to exceed $55 million, a significant undertaking for the city and the team.
"The hurricane damage to Tropicana Field has forced us to take some extraordinary steps," remarked Rays owner Stuart Sternberg. "Just as Hurricanes Helene and Milton have forced thousands of families and businesses in our community to adapt to new circumstances as we all recover and rebuild."
A New, Albeit Imperfect, Arrangement
The decision to play the 2025 season at Steinbrenner Field comes with the logistical challenge of sharing the venue with the Tampa Tarpons. Minor League Baseball confirmed the 2025 season schedules in August, making it clear both teams will need to coordinate to avoid scheduling conflicts.
Sternberg expressed gratitude for the Yankees' cooperation, stating, "We deeply appreciate that the Yankees have graciously allowed us to play at Steinbrenner Field for the 2025 season."
Future Plans on the Horizon
Looking beyond the immediate repair to Tropicana Field, the Rays also have their sights set on a more permanent resolution. Plans are underway for the team to relocate to a new stadium by the 2028 season. This initiative is expected to rejuvenate interest and investment in the team's facilities, hopefully aligning with their aspirations to boost attendance and improve the game-day experience for their fans.
Fans, players, and the organization are now preparing for an unusual season at a temporary home, while still keeping an eye on the future. For the Rays and their supporters, the 2025 season at Steinbrenner Field is more than just a temporary solution—it symbolizes resilience amidst the challenges brought on by natural disasters and embodies the hope of a vibrant future in a new long-term home.