Tampa, Florida – The Tampa Bay Rays are making plans to play the 2025 season at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, home of their rivals, the New York Yankees. After extensive damage to Tropicana Field caused by Hurricane Milton, the Rays have been searching for an interim home. With the Trop not expected to be playable until the 2026 season, the decision to play at Steinbrenner Field was made in consultation with Major League Baseball.
The move to Steinbrenner Field over Clearwater’s BayCare Ballpark was made to ensure the team has a suitable venue for the upcoming season. Details of the agreement with MLB and the Yankees, as well as the fate of the Class A minor-league Tarpons who play at Steinbrenner Field during the summer, are still unclear. While Rays officials have declined to comment on specifics, the choice of Steinbrenner Field offers a number of advantages in terms of capacity, amenities, and required upgrades.
Despite concerns about the summer heat and rain that Tampa experiences, Steinbrenner Field provides the necessary facilities to meet MLB standards with minimal renovations. This decision not only impacts the Rays’ playing situation but also provides an opportunity to connect with a different segment of their fanbase. With discussions ongoing about the long-term value of the deal and potential concerns from some Pinellas County commissioners, the future of the team remains uncertain.
St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch remains optimistic about getting the Rays back to a repaired Tropicana Field in 2026. The goal is to have the Trop ready for the team to return in ’26, despite the challenges presented by the necessary repairs. With potential disruptions to the Yankees’ Tarpons farm team and adjustments expected in team schedules in the Florida State League, the upcoming season promises to be eventful for both teams.
As fans await further updates on the Rays’ plans for the 2025 season, the impact of the decision to play at Steinbrenner Field reverberates across the Tampa Bay area. While the future of the team’s stadium deal remains a topic of discussion and negotiation, the focus shifts to ensuring a smooth transition for the Rays as they prepare for the upcoming season.