Tampa Bay Rays Confirm Return to Tropicana Field in 2026

UPDATE: The Tampa Bay Rays are officially returning home to an updated Tropicana Field for the 2026 season. The announcement was made just hours ago, confirming fans will witness the highly anticipated home opener against the Chicago Cubs on April 6, 2026.

Following extensive repairs due to damage inflicted by Hurricane Milton in October 2024, the Rays will play their entire 2025 home schedule at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa. This decision underscores the team’s commitment to their fanbase and the community in St. Petersburg. “We are excited to return home to Tropicana Field in April and to once again join our fans and neighboring businesses in downtown St. Petersburg in celebrating the return of Rays baseball,” said team CEO Ken Babby.

Repairs to the stadium, including its roof and interior areas, are already underway. The team is not only set to unveil a revamped venue but also several new ticket options that will go on sale tomorrow. Enhancements will feature an expanded main videoboard, new video displays behind home plate and along both foul poles, as well as a state-of-the-art sound system and upgraded suite interiors.

The emotional connection with fans will be further highlighted by events celebrating former Rays third baseman Evan Longoria, including his induction into the team hall of fame.

This past season at Steinbrenner Field, the Rays recorded a 41-40 record, drawing an impressive 786,750 fans with 61 sold-out games. However, the team faced challenges, experiencing 17 rain delays over 16 games, totaling nearly 18 hours of interruptions.

Tropicana Field, which opened in 1990, features what was once referred to as the world’s largest cable-supported domed roof. The storm caused significant damage, tearing the roof apart and necessitating these substantial repairs.

Looking ahead, the Rays are also in search of a new ballpark with plans to open it by 2029. Attendance has been a concern at Tropicana Field despite the team’s competitive history, including two World Series appearances in 2008 and 2020.

Additionally, the Rays announced that infielder Bob Seymour has been released to pursue a playing opportunity in Asia, marking another significant move for the franchise as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Rays gear up for an exciting return to Tropicana Field and the start of a new chapter in their storied franchise.