Rays to Play 2025 Season at Steinbrenner Field
Florida Pro Baseball follows the Tampa Bay Rays, an MLB team in the American League East division.
The Tampa Bay Rays will play the 2025 regular season at George M. Steinbrenner (GMS) Field in Tampa. GMS Field is the Spring Training home of the New York Yankees. This move follows severe damage to Tropicana Field from Hurricane Milton on October 9, 2024. The damage will prevent Tropicana Field from being playable for at least the 2025 season. The Rays will continue their Spring Training at Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte.
George M. Steinbrenner Field was selected as the Rays’ temporary home due to its ability to host Major League Baseball games. The stadium, which holds around 11,000 fans, is the largest Spring Training venue in the region. The Yankees are currently renovating the facility, improving lighting, expanding locker rooms, and upgrading training areas. Additional enhancements are planned before the regular season starts.
Tampa Bay will use Steinbrenner Field full-time, so the Florida State League’s Tampa Tarpons will play at other local fields in 2025.
Playing professional baseball outdoors in Florida presents its own set of challenges, with high humidity, intense heat, and frequent rain showers often disrupting play. Athletes must adapt to the extreme conditions, maintaining focus and stamina while navigating the unpredictable weather, making the sport all the more demanding in the Sunshine State.
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Tampa Bay Rays move to GMS field for 2025