The Tampa Bay Rays will be playing their 2025 season home games at Steinbrenner Field, the spring training facility of the New York Yankees, due to the damage caused by Hurricane Milton to Tropicana Field.
Steinbrenner Field, which is located in northwest Tampa near Raymond James Stadium, can seat 11,000 people and is currently home to the Yankees’ Class A affiliate Tampa Tarpons. The decision to use this facility was made after considering various options in the area, with Steinbrenner Field being the most suitable for major league games.
Rays owner Stuart Sternberg expressed that this move provides the best opportunity for fans to experience major league baseball in a smaller environment. The team will continue their spring training in Port Charlotte before transitioning to Steinbrenner Field just before Opening Day on March 27.
Despite the challenges faced due to the hurricane damage, both the Rays and the Yankees collaborated to ensure a smooth transition for the 2025 season. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred commended the efforts made by both teams to keep the Rays playing in their home market without disruptions to the players and their families.
The decision to use Steinbrenner Field for the 2025 season comes as the Rays work towards building a new stadium near Tropicana Field, set to open in 2028. The move to Steinbrenner Field required minimal modifications to meet major league standards compared to other facilities in the area.
This arrangement mirrors the Toronto Blue Jays’ move to their spring home in Dunedin in 2020 due to COVID restrictions in Canada. The last team to use a minor league facility for regular-season games was the Blue Jays, highlighting the unique circumstances faced by teams in times of crisis.
Steinbrenner Field, previously known as Legends Field, has a rich history and is named after former Yankees owner George Steinbrenner. The current managing general partner, Hal Steinbrenner, expressed his family’s deep roots in the Tampa Bay area and their willingness to support the Rays during this challenging time.
Overall, the collaboration between the Rays and the Yankees to use Steinbrenner Field for the 2025 season demonstrates the spirit of unity and community support in times of need. The move will provide Rays fans with the opportunity to continue supporting their team while renovations are made to Tropicana Field for future seasons.
