An interim home ballpark for the Tampa Bay Rays has been secured for the upcoming season, while St. Petersburg considers repairs to Tropicana Field.

After Hurricane Milton damaged Tropicana Field, the Tampa Bay Rays were forced to search for a new stadium for the 2025 season.

The Rays unveiled plans to host their games at George M. Steinbrenner Field, their spring training home, next season.

A news release stated that Steinbrenner Field was the best-prepared stadium in the Tampa Bay area.

According to a recent assessment report, the roof of Tropicana Field, despite its structural integrity, will need to be replaced.

"We are grateful that the Yankees have kindly agreed to let us play at Steinbrenner Field during the 2025 season, as the hurricane damage to Tropicana Field has necessitated some exceptional measures."

The estimated cost for repairs to Tropicana Field is $55.7 million, and the work could be completed before the start of the Rays' 2026 regular season, as per the assessment report.

"Hal Steinbrenner, Yankees owner, stated that they are pleased to offer a major league-quality facility for the Rays and their fans to utilize this season. He explained that it is significant for Rays players, employees, and fans to have their 2025 home games take place within 30 minutes of Tropicana Field."

The Tampa Tarpons, the minor league affiliate of the Yankees, play at Steinbrenner Field, an outdoor stadium with a capacity of 11,000 fans, throughout the summer. However, it is uncertain how the team will be impacted by the arrival of the Rays.

The Rays will not be the only MLB team playing in a minor league stadium next season, as the Athletics are also planning to compete at a ballpark in Sacramento until their new stadium is constructed in Nevada.

In 2025, the Rays should aim to keep their home games in their region, as preferred by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred.

"Due to the substantial difficulties brought about by Hurricane Milton, I commend the diligent cooperation between the two teams," Manfred stated in a statement. "This result aligns with Major League Baseball's objectives, which include ensuring that Rays fans can witness their team play at home next season and that their players can maintain their families' stability without interruption."

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