The Tampa Bay Rays have announced that they will be playing their 2025 home games at the New York Yankees' spring training ballpark in Tampa. This decision comes as a result of the uncertainty surrounding the future of their hurricane-damaged home stadium, Tropicana Field. The move to Steinbrenner Field, with its 11,000 seats, is seen as the best fit for the team and its fanbase, providing a unique opportunity for fans to experience Major League Rays baseball in a smaller environment.
Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred has expressed support for the Rays-Yankees deal, emphasizing that it benefits both the sport and the Tampa Bay region. Tropicana Field, the Rays' home since 1998, sustained significant damage during Hurricane Milton, prompting discussions about repair costs and the construction of a new stadium to replace it by 2028.
