The Tampa Bay Rays announced they will play their 2025 home games at Steinbrenner Field, the spring training facility of the New York Yankees. This move comes after Hurricane Milton severely damaged Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, forcing the team to find an alternative venue. Steinbrenner Field, located in Tampa, Florida, also hosts the Yankees’ Single-A affiliate, the Tampa Tarpons.
In a statement, Rays owner Stuart Sternberg expressed gratitude to the Yankees for accommodating the team, noting, “The hurricane damage to Tropicana Field has forced us to take extraordinary steps, just as Hurricanes Helene and Milton have forced thousands of families and businesses to adapt as we recover and rebuild.”
Here are three key things to know about this temporary arrangement:
1. What Makes Steinbrenner Field Unique?
Steinbrenner Field is a notable venue for several reasons beyond its Yankees affiliation. Situated near Raymond James Stadium, home to the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it features dimensions identical to Yankee Stadium, which may appeal to left-handed hitters.
The stadium has a seating capacity of 11,000, significantly less than Tropicana Field, where the Rays averaged over 16,500 in attendance during the 2024 season. While the smaller capacity could present challenges, it may also create a more intimate fan experience.
2. What’s Next for Tropicana Field?
A St. Petersburg City Council report indicates Tropicana Field’s hurricane-damaged dome roof could be repaired in time for the 2026 season, with costs estimated at $55 million. However, the Rays plan to move into a new stadium by 2028, raising questions about whether repairing the Trop is worth the expense for just two additional years of use.
As discussions continue, the future of Tropicana Field remains uncertain. The decision will likely weigh financial costs against the potential benefits of restoring the facility for a short-term solution.
3. What Happens to the Tampa Tarpons?
The Tampa Tarpons, the Yankees’ A-ball affiliate, are also based at Steinbrenner Field. Minor League Baseball’s 2025 schedules were finalized before this unexpected development, meaning overlaps between the Rays and Tarpons’ home games are inevitable.
It’s expected that the Rays, as the major league team, will take scheduling priority at Steinbrenner Field. To avoid conflicts and protect the playing surface, the Tarpons may need to relocate their games temporarily. Florida’s abundance of nearby fields offers plenty of potential alternative venues.
