The Tampa Bay Rays recently announced new details about their move to the New York Yankees’ George M. Steinbrenner Field this season as repairs continue at Tropicana Field following damage done by Hurricane Milton in October.
Tampa Bay has committed to creating “a team-branded atmosphere for fans to enjoy,” but the franchise will be limited in how much it can alter New York’s spring training facility. For one, the statue of late Yankees owner George Steinbrenner won’t 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 clubhouse areas to meet Major League Baseball standards. In addition, the clubs have agreed to discuss “how to temporarily alter or minimize existing Yankees marks, installations and branding in and around the stadium.” The fate of large Y-A-N-K-E-E-S signs on both sides of the ballpark remains undetermined. The Rays will be able to sell ad inventory throughout the venue, likely in the hopes of carrying over existing sponsor deals. They will also control what’s sold at all merchandise locations inside the stadium, and the Yankees will not maintain a team shop during the regular season.
The Rays will call 11,026-seat Steinbrenner Field home for the 2025 season, though the site of potential playoff games has not been determined. The Yankees will receive $15 million for use of the site, while their single-A affiliate Tampa Tarpons will play on an adjacent diamond. The Rays’ longer-term plans also remain in flux, with discussions ongoing around Trop repairs, a possible new stadium in St. Petersburg and the chance of relocation.
For now, the Rays just need to sort out a deal with Mother Nature. Until then, concerns will remain about frequent rainouts on the Gulf Coast, with Steinbrenner Field lacking 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 extra time to set up. The Yankees’ final spring training home game is on March 24.
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