News Summary
Due to extensive damage from Hurricane Milton, the Tampa Bay Rays will host their postseason games at George M. Steinbrenner Field instead of Tropicana Field. The decision comes as the Rays face challenges with limited seating in the minor league stadium. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred reassures fans that the team is expected to return to Tropicana Field for the 2026 season. As the team navigates ownership changes and stadium issues, they continue to compete for a wild-card spot in the playoffs.
Tampa, Florida – Following extensive damage to Tropicana Field caused by Hurricane Milton, the Tampa Bay Rays have announced that any potential postseason games will be held at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa. The minor league stadium, which typically serves as the home for the Low-A Tampa Tarpons, has a capacity of 10,046. This decision arises as parts of Tropicana Field’s roof have been torn off, rendering it unsuitable for use in the upcoming 2025 season.
As of the All-Star break, the Rays stand in fourth place in the American League East with a record of 50-47. They are currently 1½ games behind the Seattle Mariners in the chase for the third wild-card spot in the American League. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has indicated that the Rays are expected to return to Tropicana Field for the 2026 season, as refurbishments are already in motion.
The backdrop for this stadium switch also includes a potential sale of the Rays, valued at $1.7 billion, to a group led by real estate developer Patrick Zalupski. While the ownership transfer from current owner Stu Sternberg, who purchased the team for $200 million in 2004, may be finalized soon, it is not expected to take effect until after the postseason concludes. The sale comes on the heels of Sternberg abandoning a proposed $1.3 billion stadium deal in St. Petersburg which faced delays due to more than $50 million in hurricane-related damage.
The delays in funding from the Pinellas County Board of Commissioners, who paused a critical vote on the stadium funding in October 2024, have contributed to the Rays’ uncertain future regarding their ballpark. As a contingency, the organization is now adapting to the logistical challenges of transitioning to a minor league stadium for potential playoff games, despite its smaller seating capacity compared to Tropicana Field.
Manfred previously emphasized the importance of resolving stadium issues for both the Rays and the Oakland Athletics as MLB looks toward expansion to 32 teams. While Steinbrenner Field’s capacity presents challenges for postseason games, the success the Rays had in playing their regular-season games at the venue raises questions about the feasibility of a smooth transition for playoffs.
In the broader context of Major League Baseball, other potential ownership changes are also noteworthy, including discussions surrounding the Minnesota Twins, though those have cooled since billionaire Justin Ishbia shifted focus to acquiring the Chicago White Sox. Efforts are ongoing to establish national broadcasting contracts for the 2026-2028 seasons, indicative of ongoing evolution in MLB’s media landscape.
Amid these developments, the integrity of gambling practices among MLB players remains a topic of scrutiny. Manfred has reassured stakeholders that existing protections are effectively managing these complexities in light of new legal partnerships. Furthermore, mixed sentiments regarding player input on the Automatic Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system have surfaced, leading to possible changes in response to player feedback.
In non-stadium-related news, the All-Star Game’s return to Atlanta has been confirmed following its previous removal due to voting laws, highlighting robust support for baseball in the region. Changes to the Diversity Pipeline Program have also been implemented to mitigate any legal complications while preserving the initiative’s purpose. Additionally, MLB is in talks with the government regarding immigration policy to secure protective measures for its players.
As the postseason draws closer, the Tampa Bay Rays and their fans must prepare for the uncharted territory of playoff games at a minor league stadium, placing their hopes on the team’s current performance and the outcome of ongoing ownership developments.
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Additional Resources
- ESPN: Rays to Host Games at Steinbrenner Field
- Wikipedia: Tampa Bay Rays
- Sports Illustrated: Rays Playoff Stadium
- Google Search: Tampa Bay Rays playoffs 2025
- DRaysBay: Playoffs at Steinbrenner Field
- Google Scholar: Tampa Bay Rays
- Baltimore Sun: Rays Postseason Games
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Baseball
- Bleacher Report: Rays Postseason Games Location
- Google News: Tropicana Field Hurricane Milton
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
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