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