Rays to Play 2025 at Yankees' Steinbrenner Field as Tropicana Repairs from Hurricane Milton Cost $55.7 Million

Nov 14, 2024, 04:51 PM

A detailed assessment report has revealed that Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays, sustained extensive damage from Hurricane Milton, with repair costs estimated at around $55.7 million. The hurricane caused approximately $39 million in damage and an additional $16 million in costs, including repairs to the roof. The repairs would not be completed before the 2026 season, forcing the Rays to find an alternative venue for the 2025 season. On November 14, the team announced plans to play their 2025 home games at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, which is the New York Yankees' spring training facility with a capacity of 11,026 seats. Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner expressed support for the Rays, stating that the facility is "the best-prepared" to host regular-season games. The Yankees are expected to gain about $15 million in additional revenue from the arrangement. The city of St. Petersburg is reviewing the damage report and discussing funding options for the repairs and the new stadium project in the Historic Gas Plant District, which is planned to be completed by the 2028 season.