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The Rays have announced their temporary home for the 2025 season: George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida. Steinbrenner Field is where the Yankees hold their spring training and is also the home stadium for the Tampa Tarpons, the Single-A affiliate of the New York team. Colleen WrightMarc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times were the first to break the news.
The Rays justified their choice by calling Steinbrenner Field “the best-prepared facility in the Tampa Bay region to host regular-season Major League Baseball games” (as reported by Topkin). Hal Steinbrenner, managing partner of the Yankees, shared his thoughts on the decision in a statement:
“We are pleased to offer the Rays and their fans a Major League-quality venue for the upcoming season. Both the Yankees organization and my family have strong ties to the Tampa Bay area, and we recognize the importance of having the 2025 home games for the Rays within a short distance of Tropicana Field. During challenging times like these, rivalries and competition take a backseat to supporting our community—helping families and businesses recover from the impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.”
The Yankees will continue to use Steinbrenner Field for their spring training games, while the Rays will host their March games as usual in Port Charlotte.
In terms of the regular season, Tim Kephart of the Associated Press has reported that the Tarpons will use other fields within the spring training facility. Upgrades will be made to the stadium before Opening Day to enhance the fan experience, according to the league’s press release. Recent improvements to the facility include better lighting, an expanded home locker room, and improved training and rehab facilities. As part of the agreement, the Yankees will receive an additional $15 million in revenue for hosting the Rays in 2025. This increase in revenue will not come at the expense of the Rays, but rather through insurance and other avenues that have not yet been disclosed.
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