The Tampa Bay Rays are going to play their home games during the 2025 season at George M. Steinbrenner Field because Tropicana Field was significantly damaged by Hurricane Milton.
Repairs for the Rays’ home stadium, which includes needing to replace the roof, are not expected to be completed until Opening Day of the 2026 season at the earliest.
Thus, the Rays reached an agreement to use the New York Yankees’ Spring Training home for the regular season. The Yankees will continue to play Grapefruit League home games at George M. Steinbrenner Field, and the Rays will remain at Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte, Fla., during that time.
“We deeply appreciate that the Yankees have graciously allowed us to play at Steinbrenner Field for the 2025 season,” Rays 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.”
One goal for the Rays during their search for a temporary home in 2025 was remaining close to Tampa, which is where Steinbrenner Field is located.
“We are happy to extend our hand to the Rays and their fans by providing a Major League-quality facility for them to utilize this season,” Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner said.
“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. 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.”
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred added: “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. 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.”
Tickets for 2025 Rays home games at Steinbrenner Field and other details will be forthcoming.
George M. Steinbrenner Field history and facts
Next year marks the 30th anniversary of the Yankees making their Spring Training home in Tampa.
George M. Steinbrenner Field opened on March 1, 1996, under the original name of Legends Field. It was renamed in honor of the Yankees’ longtime principal owner on March 27, 2008, through two unanimous resolutions supporting the change issued by the Hillsborough County Commission and the Tampa City Council.
George M. Steinbrenner Field capacity is 11,026, which is the largest of all Spring Training stadiums in Florida. Features and amenities include 13 suites, club areas, social spaces, cabana seating and more upgrades that were implemented as part of a $40 million renovation project in 2017.
More improvements already were in the process of being completed before the Rays selected the facility as their 2025 home. Current renovations underway include improving the home clubhouse and playing areas. Recent projects saw upgraded field lighting, expanded home locker room space, and improved training and rehabilitation capabilities.
The 31-acre complex also includes ample parking, with spaces at Raymond James lots as well.
Additional improvements are expected to be made before the 2025 regular season to ensure fans continue to have an experience expected with attending an MLB game.
George M. Steinbrenner Field is located at 1 Steinbrenner Drive, Tampa, FL 33614.
Dodgers among teams impacted by Rays moving
Ripple effects of the Rays playing at Steinbrenner Field are going to impact several teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers and Single-A Tampa Tarpons.
The Tarpons historically play their home games in the Yankees’ Spring Training complex but will need to make contingency plans.
Meanwhile, the 2025 Dodgers schedule called for a visit to Tropicana Field from Aug. 1-3. The Dodgers instead will be among the visiting teams to play at Steinbrenner Field next season.
Moreover, George M. Steinbrenner Field traditionally is utilized as a year-round special events venue that hosts concerts, baseball tournaments, corporate events and more.
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