By The Tampa Bay Rays will play next season in a New York Yankees-owned ballpark.
The Tampa-based George M. Steinbrenner Field, the spring training home of the Yankees and their Low-A minor league affiliate, Tampa Tarpons, will serve as the Rays’ home field in 2025, the team announced on Thursday.
The Rays’ usual home – Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg – was heavily damaged during Hurricane Milton last month.
Per Associated Press, a detailed assessment of the damage concluded that Tropicana Field is structurally sound and can be repaired for about $55.7 million in time for the 2026 season.
The Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner said the organization is “happy to extend our hand to the Rays and their fans by providing a Major League-quality facility for them to utilize this season.”
“Both the Yankees organization and my family have deep roots in the Tampa Bay region, and we understand how meaningful it is for Rays players, employees and fans to have their 2025 home games take place within 30 minutes of Tropicana Field,” Steinbrenner continued. “In times like these, rivalry and competition take a back seat to doing what’s right for our community — which is continuing to help families and businesses rebound from the devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.’’
According to the Rays, Steinbrenner Field has the largest Spring Training capacity in the region, at 11,000, and the field is currently undergoing renovations to improve the clubhouse and facilities. Additional improvements will be made before the season to “ensure fans continue to have a wonderful experience at Rays games.”
The Yankees will continue using Steinbrenner Field for Spring Training in 2025, while the Rays will use Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte, Florida for their spring workouts and games.
CNN
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Dramatic drone footage shows damage to Tropicana Field
“We deeply appreciate that the Yankees have graciously allowed us to play at Steinbrenner Field for the 2025 season,’’ Rays Principal Owner Stuart Sternberg said.
“The hurricane damage to Tropicana Field has forced us to take some extraordinary steps, 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 Rays become the second team to play their home games at a minor league ballpark next year.
The Athletics will play at Sutter Health Park – home of Minor League Baseball club the Sacramento Rivers Cats – for the 2025-2027 seasons as the organization waits for a stadium to be built in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“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,” commissioner of baseball Robert D. Manfred, Jr. said in a statement.
“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 open up the season at home on March 27 against the Colorado Rockies.
