Hurricane-stricken Rays will play the 2025 season at Steinbrenner Field, the spring training home of the New York Yankees in Tampa. This venue, with a seating capacity of approximately 11,000, stands as the largest among Florida’s spring training facilities, making it a fitting choice for the team and its supporters.
Stuart Sternberg, the principal owner of the Rays, expressed his enthusiasm for this arrangement, stating, “It is singularly the best opportunity for our fans to experience 81 games of Major League Rays baseball.” He acknowledged the challenges of upgrading stadiums to meet major league standards but emphasized that Steinbrenner Field presented the least obstacles. “You’re going to see Major League Baseball in a small environment,” he added.
Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred praised the agreement between the Rays and Yankees, highlighting its positive implications for both the sport and the Tampa Bay community. “This outcome meets Major League Baseball’s goals that Rays fans will see their team play next season in their home market and that their players can remain home without disruption to their families,” he stated.
The Rays have called Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg their home since 1998. However, Hurricane Milton caused significant damage to the domed stadium on October 9, resulting in a shredded roof and extensive water damage. An evaluation from the city of St. Petersburg estimated repair costs at $55.7 million to prepare the Trop for the 2026 season.
City council approval is required for any repair work, especially as plans are already in motion for a new $1.3 billion, 30,000-seat stadium to replace Tropicana Field, set to begin construction in 2028. This new facility is part of a larger urban revitalization initiative known as the Historic Gas Plant District, which honors the Black community that once thrived on the 86 acres, now envisioned to include retail, office space, a Black history museum, and various dining options.
Despite the uncertainties, the Rays are prepared to play in a smaller, outdoor ballpark next season, which is operated by their American League East rival, the Yankees. The field features a facade reminiscent of Yankee Stadium in the Bronx and is adorned with plaques commemorating retired Yankee players.
Brian Auld, co-president of the Rays, confirmed that Tampa Bay must be ready for a regular-season MLB game against the Colorado Rockies on March 27, just three days after the Yankees conclude their training camp. “There will be a ton of work toward putting in our brand,” Auld stated, referring to the effort to incorporate the Rays’ identity into Steinbrenner Field.
The Rays will also face weather challenges in the hot, humid Florida summer, a stark contrast to the controlled environment of their previous dome. Last season, they averaged about 16,500 fans per game.
Originally known as Legends Field, Steinbrenner Field opened in 1996 on the north side of Tampa. It honors the late Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, who had deep ties to the area. His son, Hal Steinbrenner, played a vital role in facilitating the agreement with the Rays.
Hal Steinbrenner expressed the Yankees’ willingness to support the Rays during this challenging time, emphasizing their shared commitment to the Tampa Bay community. “In times like these, rivalry and competition take a back seat to doing what’s right for our community,” he remarked, highlighting the need to assist families and businesses recovering from the devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
The Tampa Tarpons, a minor league affiliate of the Yankees, will continue to play at Steinbrenner Field during the summer while utilizing other baseball diamonds within the training complex this season.
This is not the first instance of a major league team hosting regular season games at a spring training facility. The Toronto Blue Jays played part of the 2021 season at their Dunedin site due to travel restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic.
