Rays to Play at George M. Steinbrenner Field in 2025

​The Tampa Bay Rays have secured a temporary home for the 2025 regular season: George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa. This decision comes in the wake of significant damage to Tropicana Field caused by Hurricane Milton last month, with repairs not expected to be completed until 2026.

​A New Home for the 2025 SeasonI
n light of the extensive damage, the Rays had to find an interim venue for their home games. After considering various options, the team decided on Steinbrenner Field, which serves as the spring training home for the New York Yankees and the Single-A Tampa Tarpons in the Florida State League.

“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 circumstances as we all recover and rebuild.”

Spring Training Arrangements
The Rays will continue to use their Charlotte Sports Park facility in Port Charlotte, Fla., for their spring training workouts and home games. The Yankees will hold their spring training games at Steinbrenner Field before the Rays take over for the regular season.

“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,” said Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner. “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's Commitment to the Community
Commissioner Rob Manfred emphasized MLB’s goal of keeping the Rays close to their fans in the Tampa Bay area. The selection of Steinbrenner Field meets this objective, ensuring that Rays fans can still enjoy home games within their local market.

“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," Manfred said. "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.”

Conclusion
​The decision to play the 2025 season at George M. Steinbrenner Field reflects the resilience and adaptability of the Rays organization. With the support of the Yankees and the MLB community, the Rays and their fans can look forward to a season of competitive baseball, even in the face of adversity.