MLB shifts 2025 Rays schedule due to stadium damage
- Tropicana Field suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Milton, leading to an estimated repair cost of over $50 million.
- The Tampa Bay Rays will play at Steinbrenner Field instead of Tropicana Field during the 2025 season.
- MLB has altered the Rays' schedule to optimize game dates and mitigate weather-related issues.
In response to significant damage caused by Hurricane Milton, the Tampa Bay Rays will not be playing in their usual home stadium, Tropicana Field, for the 2025 season. This decision comes as repairs to the stadium are projected to exceed $50 million, following damage from the hurricane in October. In light of this situation, Major League Baseball announced a revised schedule for the Rays, allowing them to host the Los Angeles Angels in April instead of August. Additionally, the Minnesota Twins' visit to Steinbrenner Field has been rescheduled to May. Baseball operations are set to take place at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, which is the home stadium for the New York Yankees, while the Rays evaluate their long-term options concerning the Tropicana Field situation and their plans for a new ballpark in 2028, which is currently on hold due to funding issues. Ultimately, the adjustments have been made to mitigate weather-related impacts on games throughout the season.