The Tampa Bay Rays have decided to play their 2025 home games at Steinbrenner Field. This stadium, located in Tampa, Florida, is usually where the New York Yankees and their minor league team, the Tampa Tarpons, practice during spring training. The Rays’ usual home, Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, was damaged by Hurricane Milton.
Steinbrenner Field was chosen over Clearwater’s BayCare Ballpark, which is used by the Philadelphia Phillies for spring training. The reasons behind this choice remain unclear for now. An official announcement about this decision is expected soon.
“This one actually seats over 11,000 people and it’s on the Tampa side of the bay,” said CBS Sports about Steinbrenner Field as a potential option for the Rays. “If you’ve ever flown over Raymond James Stadium — home of the NFL’s Buccaneers — you’ve seen this ballpark just across the street.”
Future Plans and Repairs:
A report from St. Petersburg City Council stated that Tropicana Field’s roof can be fixed after being torn apart by Hurricane Milton’s strong winds. These repairs would cost more than $55 million and could allow games to be played there again by 2026. But with plans to move to a new stadium in 2028, some wonder if fixing it is worth it.
Fans might think that moving to Steinbrenner Field makes sense because it’s closer for many people living in Tampa.
Steinbrenner Field can hold up to 11,000 fans at once. During the 2024 season, though, the Rays had an average attendance of just over 16,500 per game at their home stadium.
What do you think? Should they fix Tropicana or stick with Steinbrenner until their new place is ready?
