Tampa Bay Rays will play home games at Yankees spring training site in 2025

The Tampa Bay Rays will play their regular-season home games in 2025 at George Steinbrenner Field — the New York Yankees’ spring training site. The Rays posted on their social media pages: “We are thrilled to play in Tampa Bay. To be the first to receive ticketing information, join the 2025 Interest List at the link in our bio.” George Steinbrenner Field is located in Tampa, Fla., about 20 miles northeast of Tropicana Field.

An announcement from the team states that the move stems from the significant damage that Hurricane Milton caused to Tropicana Field. Milton’s winds ripped the roof off Tropicana Field last month as it swept through St. Petersburg, Fla., causing an estimated $39 million in damage. City officials said Tuesday it will cost $55.7 million to repair the field in time for the Rays’ home opener in 2026; replacing the roof is estimated at $23.6 million.

Rays owner Stuart Sternberg added in a news release: “We deeply appreciate that the Yankees have graciously allowed us to play at Steinbrenner Field for the 2025 season. 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.”

The Yankees still plan to use George Steinbrenner Field for spring training. The Rays will still use Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte, Fla (approx. 80 miles south of Tropicana Field) for spring training. Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner said in a statement: “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. 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.”

George Steinbrenner Field seats only 11,000, while Tropicana Field can hold more than 40,000 fans. According to Major League Baseball, the Rays averaged 16,515 fans during home games in 2024.  MLB commissioner Robert Manfred said in a statement: “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.”

MLB pitchers and catchers will report to spring training in mid February. The Rays will host their first regular-season game against the Colorado Rockies on March 27 in Tampa.

Editorial credit: James Kirkikis / Shutterstock.com