MLB Urges The Rays to Find Alternative Tampa Bay Venues as Tropicana Field Repairs Remain Uncertain
In the wake of Hurricane Milton’s devastating impact on the Tampa Bay area, Major League Baseball (MLB) is encouraging the Tampa Bay Rays to explore alternative home game locations within the region, even if repairs to Tropicana Field cannot be completed for the upcoming season.
The Category 3 hurricane caused significant damage to the Rays’ home stadium when it made landfall in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida, on Oct. 11, 2024, raising concerns about the facility’s readiness for the 2025 MLB season. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Tropicana Field’s restoration timeline, MLB officials are determined to find a way to keep the Rays playing in the Tampa Bay area.
“We’re hopeful that we can figure out something for them and that the repairs can be done in a way that allows them to resume playing,” said MLB commissioner Rob Manfred on an episode of “The Varsity” podcast. “The easiest thing is always to stay in the market where the clubs are anchored if we can manage it.”
The Rays’ presence in Tampa Bay is acknowledged by the community that has rallied behind the team in recent years. The Rays, a source of pride for the region, reached the World Series in 2020 and have consistently competed at a high level in the American League East division.
Local officials and business leaders have expressed their support for MLB’s desire to keep the Rays in the area. “The Rays are an integral part of our community,” said Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. “We will do everything in our power to help the team find temporary home game locations within the Tampa Bay area until Tropicana Field can be fully repaired.”
Potential alternative venues include George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, the spring training home of the New York Yankees, and TD Ballpark in Dunedin, where the Toronto Blue Jays hold their spring training. Both facilities have the capacity and infrastructure to temporarily host regular-season MLB games.
The Rays have expressed gratitude for MLB’s support and the community’s willingness to accommodate the team during this challenging time. “We are thankful for the outpouring of support from MLB and the Tampa Bay community,” said Rays President Brian Auld. “We are committed to working with all stakeholders to find the best solution for our team and our fans.”
As the hurricane recovery process continues in the Tampa Bay area, MLB and the Rays remain focused on ensuring that the team can continue to play in front of their dedicated fan base, even if it means adapting to temporary home game locations.
