The Tampa Bay Rays recently announced new details about their move to the New York Yankees’ George M. Steinbrenner Field this season as repairs continue at Tropicana Field following the damage caused by Hurricane Milton in October.
Tampa Bay has committed to creating “a team atmosphere that fans can enjoy,” but the franchise will be limited in how much it can change the spring training facility in New York. First, the statue of late Yankees owner George Steinbrenner will not be covered or removed. And New York can host parties and concerts when the Rays are out of town.
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Tampa Bay said it will likely make improvements to the dugout and visiting clubhouse areas to meet Major League Baseball standards. Additionally, the clubs have agreed to discuss “how to temporarily alter or minimize existing Yankees markings, installations and branding in and around the stadium.” The fate of the large YANKEES signs on both sides of the ballpark remains undetermined. The Rays will be able to sell advertising inventory throughout the venue, likely in hopes of acquiring existing sponsorship deals. They will also monitor what is sold at all merchandise locations in the stadium, and the Yankees will not maintain a team store during the regular season.
The Rays will call 11,026-seat Steinbrenner Field their home for the 2025 season, although the location of potential playoff games has not yet been determined. The Yankees will receive $15 million for use of the site, while their Single-A affiliate the Tampa Tarpons will play on an adjacent diamond. The Rays’ longer-term plans also remain in flux, with discussions surrounding Trop repairs, a possible new stadium in St. Petersburg and the possibility of relocation.
For now, the Rays just have to make a deal with Mother Nature. Until then, concerns will remain about frequent rainstorms on the Gulf Coast, with Steinbrenner Field missing the domed roof that Tropicana had. Last season, the Tarpons had 15 games suspended, postponed or canceled due to weather conditions.
The Rays’ home opener was postponed one day, to March 28, to give the group additional time to build. The Yankees’ last home game is March 24.
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