Rays will play home games at the Yankees’ Steinbrenner Field in 2025

The Tampa Bay Rays will play their home games for the 2025 season at nearby George M. Steinbrenner Field, the spring training home of the American League East rival New York Yankees.

The need for temporary shelter in Tampa, Florida, follows extensive damage caused by Hurricane Milton at Tropicana Field on October 9.

“We deeply appreciate that the Yankees have graciously allowed us to play at Steinbrenner Field for the 2025 season,” said Rays principal owner Stuart Sternberg. “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 conditions as we all recover and rebuild.”

“The Trop” is not expected to be playable for MLB games until the 2026 season, according to a report released Tuesday by the city of St. Petersburg, Florida.

“We are pleased to extend our hand to the Rays and their fans by providing them with a Major League-quality facility to utilize this season,” said Hal Steinbrenner, chairman and managing general partner of Yankee Global Enterprises, owner of the Yankees.

“Both the Yankees organization and my family have deep roots in the Tampa Bay area, and we understand how meaningful it is to Rays players, employees and fans to have their 2025 home games 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 continues to help families and businesses recover from the devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.”

According to the Tampa Bay Times, the Rays chose Steinbrenner Field – with a capacity of 11,026 – over BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, Florida. The latter park is home to the Philadelphia Phillies.

“Given the significant challenges posed by Hurricane Milton, I appreciate the hard work and cooperation between the two teams that allowed the Rays to make the best decision for next season,” said MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. “This outcome meets Major League Baseball’s goals that Rays fans will see their team play in their home market next season and that their players will be able to stay home without disruption to their families.”

It is not immediately known what plans are in place for the Yankees’ Class-A Tarpons, who will play at Steinbrenner Field this summer.

Tropicana Field opened in 1990 and has hosted the Rays since their inaugural season in 1998.

–Field level media REUTERS