Nov. 14 (UPI) — The Tampa Bay Rays will host 2025 regular-season games at George Steinbrenner Field — the New York Yankees’ spring training site — because of the significant damage Hurricane Milton caused to Tropicana Field, the team said Thursday.
“We deeply appreciate that the Yankees have graciously allowed us to play at Steinbrenner Field for the 2025 season,” Rays owner Stuart Sternberg said in a news release.
“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.”
Hurricane 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.
The Yankees still plan to use George Steinbrenner Field — located in Tampa, Fla., about 20 miles northeast of Tropicana Field — for spring training. The Rays will still use Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte, Fla., — about 80 miles south of Tropicana Field — for spring training.
“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,” Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner said.
“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.”
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The Rays could take a hit at the box office and at concession stands next season, as George Steinbrenner field seats only 11,000, while Tropicana Field can hold more than 40,000 fans. The Rays averaged 16,515 fans during home games in 2024, according to Major League Baseball.
MLB pitchers and catchers will report to spring training in mid February. The Rays will host the Colorado Rockies in their first regular-season game March 27 in Tampa.
“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 commissioner Robert Manfred said.
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