UPDATE: The Tampa Bay Rays are officially set to return to an upgraded Tropicana Field for the 2026 season, following extensive repairs from the damage inflicted by Hurricane Milton in October 2024. The announcement, made just moments ago, confirms that the Rays will play their entire 2025 home schedule at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa.
Team CEO Ken Babby expressed enthusiasm, stating, “We are excited to return home to Tropicana Field in April and to once again join our fans and neighboring businesses in downtown St. Petersburg in celebrating the return of Rays baseball.” The home opener is scheduled against the Chicago Cubs on April 6, 2026, after the team begins their season on the road.
Repairs to the stadium’s roof and internal infrastructure are currently underway, with significant upgrades planned. Fans can look forward to an expanded main videoboard, new video displays behind home plate and along both foul poles, a state-of-the-art sound system, and updated suite interiors. New ticket options will go on sale Thursday, allowing fans to secure their place for the much-anticipated return.
During their temporary relocation, the Rays recorded a 41-40 record at Steinbrenner Field, the spring training home of the New York Yankees, and achieved a remarkable 61 sellouts out of 81 games, drawing 786,750 fans. However, playing in an open-air venue led to challenges, with the team encountering 17 rain delays over 16 games, totaling nearly 18 hours of interruptions.
The damage caused by Hurricane Milton was extensive, tearing apart Tropicana Field’s roof, which was renowned for being the world’s largest cable-supported domed roof, constructed with translucent, Teflon-coated fiberglass and supported by 180 miles of cables. While the Rays have struggled with attendance issues at Tropicana Field in the past, they have also seen success on the field, with World Series appearances in 2008 and 2020.
Looking ahead, the Rays are under new ownership, who are reportedly initiating a search for a new ballpark that could potentially open by 2029. In the meantime, the team is making significant moves, including the release of infielder Bob Seymour, who is pursuing a playing opportunity in Asia.
As the Rays prepare for their bright future, fans can expect a celebratory atmosphere as they return to the Trop. This announcement is sure to energize the community and reignite passion for Rays baseball in St. Petersburg. Stay tuned for more updates as the season approaches!
