Tampa Bay Rays to Play 2025 Season at Steinbrenner Field After Hurricane Damage

The Tampa Bay Rays will play their 2025 season at Steinbrenner Field, the Yankees’ spring training facility in Tampa, after Hurricane Milton severely damaged Tropicana Field. The hurricane tore off much of Tropicana’s roof, and the stadium is not expected to be repaired until the 2026 season. Steinbrenner Field, which seats 11,000 and has many major-league amenities, was chosen as the best temporary home for the Rays with minimal modifications needed to meet MLB standards.

The move keeps the Rays in the Tampa Bay area, avoiding the need to relocate out of state. The Yankees and Rays struck a deal for the use of the stadium, with MLB commissioner Rob Manfred expressing support for the decision. While it may seem unusual for two division rivals to cooperate, Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner emphasized the importance of helping the local community recover from the hurricane's damage.

Steinbrenner Field’s smaller capacity will create a more intimate game-day atmosphere for Rays fans, although the open-air venue could pose challenges with Florida’s summer weather. The Tampa Tarpons, the Yankees’ Class A affiliate, will be displaced and are expected to find an alternate home for their 2025 season.

The extensive damage to Tropicana Field will require $55 million in repairs, and work is expected to be completed just before the 2026 season begins. Meanwhile, the Rays are also planning to move into a new $1.3 billion stadium near Tropicana Field, scheduled to open in 2028, securing their long-term future in St. Petersburg.

For fans looking forward to next season, the Rays' temporary move to Steinbrenner Field promises a unique experience, offering major league baseball in a more intimate setting while the team stays focused on competing for the playoffs in 2025.