Hurricane Milton Forces Rays to Play 2025 Season at Yankees' Steinbrenner Field After $55M Damage

Nov 14, 2024, 05:16 PM

The Tampa Bay Rays will play their 2025 home games at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa after Tropicana Field sustained approximately $55.7 million in damage from Hurricane Milton. The hurricane caused $39 million in direct damage with an additional $16 million in costs, delaying repairs until the 2026 season. As a result, the Rays cannot play at Tropicana Field next season and have selected Steinbrenner Field, the New York Yankees' spring training facility, as their interim home. The Yankees organization will gain around $15 million in additional revenue from this agreement. Hal Steinbrenner, owner of the Yankees, expressed support, noting their deep roots in the Tampa Bay area. The Rays will utilize the home clubhouse, meaning the Yankees will use the visitors' clubhouse when playing the Rays at Steinbrenner Field. City officials have until November 21 to review the damage report and discuss funding for repairs and the new stadium.