Mar 25, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; a general view of the stadium before a game between the New York Mets and New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
The Tampa Bay Rays will play their home games during the 2025 season at nearby George M. Steinbrenner Field, the spring training home of the American League East rival New York Yankees.
The need for a temporary home in Tampa, Florida, comes shortly after extensive damage to Tropicana Field by Hurricane Milton on October 9.
“We deeply appreciate that the Yankees were gracious enough to allow us to play at Steinbrenner Field during the 2025 season,” said Rays principal owner Stuart Sternberg. “Hurricane damage to Tropicana Field has forced us to take some extraordinary measures, 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. “.
“The Trop” is not expected to be played in MLB games until the 2026 season, according to a report released Tuesday by the city of St. Petersburg, Florida.
“We are happy to extend our hand to the Rays and their fans by providing a Major League-quality facility for them to use this season,” said Hal Steinbrenner, president and general managing partner of Yankee Global Enterprises, which owns the Yankees.
“Both the Yankees organization and my family have deep roots in the Tampa Bay region, and we understand how meaningful it is to Rays players, employees and fans that their 2025 home games will be held 30 minutes away.” from Tropicana Field.
“In times like these, rivalry and competition take a back seat when it comes to doing the right thing for our community, which is continuing to help families and businesses recover from the devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.” .
According to the Tampa Bay Times, the Rays opted for Steinbrenner Field, which has a capacity of 11,026, instead of BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, Florida. The latter stadium is the spring home of the Philadelphia Phillies.
“Given the significant challenges caused by Hurricane Milton, I appreciate the hard work and collaboration between the two teams that allowed the Rays to make the best decision for next season,” said MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. “This result meets Major League Baseball’s goals for Rays fans to see their team play next season in their home market and for its players to be able to remain home without disrupting their families.”
It’s not immediately known what plans are for the Yankees’ Class A Tarpons, who play at Steinbrenner Field in the summer.
Tropicana Field opened in 1990 and has hosted the Rays since its inaugural season in 1998.
–Field level media
