Rays Relocate to Yankees Training Facility

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Tampa Bay Rays Relocate to Yankees’ Spring Training Facility for 2025 Season

The Tampa Bay Rays will call George M. Steinbrenner Field their home for the 2025 MLB season following significant damage to Tropicana Field caused by Hurricane Milton on October 10. 

This marks the first time the Rays will play their home games in Tampa, creating a unique setup at the New York Yankees’ spring training facility. MLB Lines are already buzzing about how this change might impact the Rays’ season and fan engagement.

Tropicana Field, the team’s usual home in St. Petersburg, suffered catastrophic roof damage during the hurricane. The Rays chose Steinbrenner Field for its readiness as a major-league-quality facility and its central location, which better serves the fan base compared to other options, such as the Phillies’ spring training complex in Clearwater.

Why Steinbrenner Field Was Chosen

Several factors influenced the Rays’ decision to use Steinbrenner Field over other nearby facilities. The Yankees’ spring training home seats over 11,000 fans, about 2,000 more than the Phillies’ Clearwater stadium, which could lead to a significant revenue boost across 81 home games. 

Additionally, Steinbrenner Field’s upgraded clubhouse facilities and infrastructure are better suited for accommodating a major league team for an entire season, rather than just six weeks of spring training.

Rays owner Stu Sternberg acknowledged the challenges and expressed gratitude to the Yankees for their support, stating, “The hurricane damage to Tropicana Field has forced us to take some extraordinary steps. We deeply appreciate that the Yankees have graciously allowed us to play at Steinbrenner Field for the 2025 season.” 

Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of keeping the Rays close to home for their players, employees, and fans.

Challenges and Future Outlook

The damage to Tropicana Field is extensive, with repair estimates nearing $55.7 million. The facility is not expected to be ready until 2026, and questions remain about its future as the Rays plan to move to a new stadium in St. Petersburg by 2028. While Steinbrenner Field offers an immediate solution, it also comes with challenges, notably its lack of a roof in a region prone to summer rain. 

Renovations to the facility, however, have recently expanded clubhouse space, improved lighting, and upgraded other areas to ensure it can accommodate a full MLB season.

The Rays prioritized staying within the Tampa Bay region to minimize disruptions for players and fans. This decision aligns with MLB’s broader goal of maintaining local fan engagement during a difficult transition.

Commissioner Rob Manfred commended the collaboration between the Rays and Yankees, noting, “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.”

The Rays will not be the only MLB team playing in a minor-league stadium in 2025, as the Oakland Athletics will use Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, California, ahead of their move to Las Vegas in 2028. Additionally, this is not the first time a team has relied on a spring training site for regular-season games; the Toronto Blue Jays played home games in Dunedin in 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The Road Ahead

With Tropicana Field out of commission and uncertainty surrounding long-term plans, the Rays face logistical and competitive hurdles. However, Steinbrenner Field provides an immediate solution that keeps the team rooted in its home market. 

The upcoming season will test how well the Rays and their fans adapt to the temporary setup while balancing the realities of playing in an outdoor stadium during Florida’s summer months. Despite the challenges, the collaboration between the Rays, Yankees, and MLB ensures that baseball will stay in the Tampa Bay area in 2025.