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Rays plan to play 2025 season at Tampa’s Steinbrenner Field

Posted on 11/14/24 at 12:16 pm
Posted by Major Dutch Schaefer
Location: Classified
Member since Nov 2011
38478 posts
Posted on 11/14/24 at 12:16 pm
LINK

quote:

The Rays are planning to play the 2025 season at Tampa’s Steinbrenner Field, spring training home of the rival New York Yankees.

The Rays have been looking for an interim home since Hurricane Milton caused extensive damage to Tropicana Field last month. Under a repair plan revealed Tuesday, the Trop won’t be playable until the 2026 season.

The Rays apparently chose Steinbrenner Field over Clearwater’s BayCare Ballpark, spring home of the Philadelphia Phillies, in consultation with Major League Baseball.


quote:

Steinbrenner Field, which opened in 1996 as Legends Field, sits across Dale Mabry Highway from Raymond James Stadium. It provides the largest capacity (11,026) of the spring stadiums, along with 13 suites, several club areas, social spaces and cabana seating, plus other upgrades from a $40 million renovation prior to the 2017 season.

Equally appealing, it has much of the required major-league-standard equipment, facilities and amenities for players in place. As a result, the facility would require the fewest upgrades to meet MLB regular season and players association standards.

A downside would be playing in the summer heat and rain. According to Florida State League data, the Tarpons over the last 10 seasons have averaged 6.4 postponements annually, nearly all weather-related.


quote:

The decision is not likely to go over well with some Pinellas County commissioners, who wanted the team to remain in the county by playing in Clearwater or Dunedin (spring home of the Blue Jays). They have the leverage of voting against the bonds needed to finance the Rays’ planned $1.3 billion stadium, which could kill the deal.
Posted by sms151t
Polos, Porsches, Ponies..PROBATION
Member since Aug 2009
140757 posts
Posted on 11/14/24 at 12:21 pm to
Isn't Steinbrenner Field a basic replica of Yankee Stadium in terms of dimensions?

What is its capacity?
Posted by Lsuhoohoo
Member since Sep 2007
102090 posts
Posted on 11/14/24 at 12:29 pm to
So 2 major league teams will be playing in minor league stadiums next year
Posted by ShaneTheLegLechler
Member since Dec 2011
63192 posts
Posted on 11/14/24 at 12:30 pm to
Might be more than just next year if we’re being honest
Posted by superwolf
Member since Dec 2006
1128 posts
Posted on 11/14/24 at 12:38 pm to
They avg about 16-17K at the dump they play in. Not sure if that is even the actual attendance or season tix sales.
Posted by TTB
LA to L.A.
Member since Nov 2006
3140 posts
Posted on 11/14/24 at 12:39 pm to
They can just go ahead and demolish the Trop now and do everyone a favor
Posted by Major Dutch Schaefer
Location: Classified
Member since Nov 2011
38478 posts
Posted on 11/14/24 at 12:45 pm to
quote:

What is its capacity?


It provides the largest capacity (11,026) of the spring stadiums, along with 13 suites, several club areas, social spaces and cabana seating
Posted by Ghost of Colby
Alberta, overlooking B.C.
Member since Jan 2009
15373 posts
Posted on 11/14/24 at 12:55 pm to
Posted by brewhan davey
Audubon Place
Member since Sep 2010
33314 posts
Posted on 11/14/24 at 1:03 pm to
quote:

It provides the largest capacity (11,026) of the spring stadiums


I guess now the Rays might sell out a game or two.
Posted by Ghost of Colby
Alberta, overlooking B.C.
Member since Jan 2009
15373 posts
Posted on 11/14/24 at 1:12 pm to
quote:

I guess now the Rays might sell out a game or two.

When the Yankees are in town
Posted by UnoMe
Here
Member since Dec 2007
6949 posts
Posted on 11/14/24 at 2:35 pm to
Watch the Rays make the World Series next year hosting games in a 10,000 seat stadium. Lol
Posted by nicholastiger
Member since Jan 2004
54796 posts
Posted on 11/14/24 at 2:40 pm to
at least it keeps the team in Tampa

if they make playoffs my guess is MLB will make them play possibly in Miami
same thing with Oakland, they would have to find another venue but they aren't making the playoffs either
Posted by CNB
Columbia, SC
Member since Sep 2007
102218 posts
Posted on 11/14/24 at 2:50 pm to
quote:

I guess now the Rays might sell out a game or two.


Helps that the Tampa Bay Rays will actually play in Tampa
Posted by CRDNLSCHMCPSN11
Member since Dec 2014
18270 posts
Posted on 11/25/24 at 10:10 pm to
quote:

Major League Baseball switched a pair of series involving the Tampa Bay Rays to the first two months of the season in an attempt to avoid summer rain at open-air Steinbrenner Field, their temporary home following damage to Tropicana Field.

Tampa Bay is scheduled to play 19 of its first 22 games at home and 37 of 54 through May 28, then will play 64 of its last 108 games on the road. The Rays are home for eight games each in July and August.

Posted by LStU
Member since Jan 2012
508 posts
Posted on 11/25/24 at 10:37 pm to
I hear FEMA will be paying $55M for the Tropicana Roof to be restored. Stadium is owned by St. Pete and funding would come from Public Assistance.
Posted by Helo
Orlando
Member since Nov 2004
4773 posts
Posted on 11/26/24 at 7:02 am to
Playing in Tampa will be a boon for the team even if in a small stadium.

If they can ever get a stadium on that side of the bay (and fix I-4) their attendance will skyrocket.


Posted by CBandits82
Lurker since May 2008
Member since May 2012
58743 posts
Posted on 11/26/24 at 9:04 am to
quote:

Watch the Rays make the World Series next year hosting games in a 10,000 seat stadium. Lol



would be incredible
Posted by Speedy G
Member since Aug 2013
3984 posts
Posted on 11/26/24 at 11:17 am to
This is a big step up for the Rays aesthetically and is in a great location. Might actually plan a trip there.
Posted by LUS Tiger in FL
TrampaBay
Member since Apr 2010
4237 posts
Posted on 11/26/24 at 1:51 pm to
Surprised the Yankees are allowing it.
Wonder what they are getting out of it
Posted by Wally Sparks
Atlanta
Member since Feb 2013
32594 posts
Posted on 11/26/24 at 2:06 pm to
quote:

Surprised the Yankees are allowing it. Wonder what they are getting out of it


Compensation from MLB?
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