The Tampa Bay Rays will play their 2025 home games at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa after Hurricane Milton inflicted severe damage on Tropicana Field. The storm, which swept through the Bay Area on October 9, tore parts of the roof from Tropicana Field, rendering it unusable for the 2025 season. Repair costs are expected to exceed $55 million, with completion anticipated by 2026.
Steinbrenner Field, primarily the spring training venue for the New York Yankees and home to the Tampa Tarpons, seats approximately 11,000 fans. Both the Tampa Bay Times and the Associated Press have confirmed the Rays’ temporary relocation.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred praised the arrangement, noting it will allow the Rays to stay in the Tampa Bay area without disruption for fans or players’ families. “This outcome supports Major League Baseball’s goal of keeping the Rays in their home market for the season,” Manfred said in a statement.
The Yankees will receive around $15 million for hosting the Rays, with funding likely covered by insurance and other sources rather than directly from the Rays organization. Brian Auld, Rays co-president, noted the team will work to infuse Steinbrenner Field with their unique “Rayful” brand ahead of the regular season opener on March 27, just days after the Yankees’ spring camp concludes.
Rays owner Stu Sternberg expressed gratitude to Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner for his unwavering support. Steinbrenner, who emphasized the Yankees’ deep ties to the Tampa Bay area, said in a release, “In times like these, rivalry takes a back seat to doing what’s right for our community. We’re proud to help the Rays and our region recover from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.”
The Rays plan to move into their new stadium for the 2028 season, but for now, they are preparing to play under the open skies at Steinbrenner Field, facing the unique summer weather challenges Tampa Bay brings.
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(Image credit: BallParksOfBaseball.com)
St. Pete-Clearwater Sun 
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