Tampa Bay Rays: A Community’s Journey Through Challenges and Change

by Jose Mejia

As a local Tampa Bay real estate agent and lifelong fan of the Tampa Bay Rays, I’ve seen our community rally around this team through thick and thin. From exciting playoff runs to the challenges of Hurricane Milton, the Rays have always been a central part of our identity. With Tropicana Field badly damaged this year, the team faces new hurdles, and our community must adapt alongside them.

Let’s examine the Rays' temporary move to Tampa’s Steinbrenner Field and what this means for our area.

The Tropicana Field Situation: What Happened?

Hurricane Milton struck the Tampa Bay area with incredible force in October 2024, leaving behind widespread damage. Tropicana Field, the Rays' longtime home in St. Petersburg, was not spared. The fiberglass dome was shredded, and the field is unusable until at least 2026.

The Rays have called "The Trop" home since 1998, so this change is significant. The damage comes at a time when plans for a new $1.3 billion stadium are already underway. That new stadium is expected to open in 2028, leaving the team needing a temporary home.

Steinbrenner Field: The Rays’ 2025 Solution

With Tropicana Field out of commission, the Tampa Bay Rays will play their 2025 season at George M. Steinbrenner Field, the spring training home of the New York Yankees. While it may seem odd to borrow the Yankees’ turf, the move keeps the Rays in the Tampa Bay area and close to their loyal fans.

Why Steinbrenner Field?

Proximity: Located in Tampa, it’s closer for fans who might have avoided crossing the bridge to St. Pete.
Facilities: Steinbrenner Field is well-equipped with major-league-quality amenities, making it the most ready-to-go option.
Fan Appeal: The smaller, 11,000-seat stadium could provide a more intimate experience and attract sold-out crowds, which hasn’t always happened at Tropicana Field.

Community Reactions: Mixed Feelings Across Tampa Bay

Not everyone is thrilled about the decision to play in Tampa. Leaders in Pinellas County, where St. Petersburg is located, have expressed frustration. The county is committing significant tax dollars to the new stadium project, and some feel that the Rays should have chosen a temporary location within Pinellas, like Clearwater or Dunedin.

What Fans and Leaders Are Saying

Excitement in Tampa: Fans in Tampa see the move as an opportunity to experience games closer to home.
Disappointment in Pinellas: Local leaders feel the Rays didn’t give Pinellas County a fair shot, leaving some to question the team’s long-term commitment to the area.

How This Impacts Tampa Bay’s Real Estate and Economy

As someone who helps families find homes in Tampa Bay, I know how much our sports teams contribute to the local economy. The Rays' temporary move to Steinbrenner Field could bring:

More Tourism: Fans from other cities may stay in Tampa instead of St. Pete, boosting local hotels and restaurants.
Market Expansion: By playing in Tampa, the Rays might connect with new fans who have avoided the drive to St. Pete.

However, there’s also concern about how this shift could affect Pinellas County businesses that rely on game-day traffic. It’s a delicate balance, but one thing’s for sure—the Rays’ presence impacts the entire region.

The Future: Building a New Chapter for the Tampa Bay Rays

Looking ahead, the Rays have a bright future. The planned new stadium in St. Pete promises to be a world-class venue that will bring more excitement to Tampa Bay. Once the Tropicana Field repairs are complete, fans can look forward to cheering on the Rays in familiar territory until the new stadium is ready.

This transition period allows us to support the team in new ways. Whether you’re attending games at Steinbrenner Field or following from afar, let’s show the Rays that Tampa Bay has their back.

Final Thoughts

The Tampa Bay Rays have been a cornerstone of our community for decades, and this temporary move to Tampa is just one chapter in their story. It’s a time for fans, local leaders, and businesses to come together and make the best of the situation. As a real estate agent, I’ve seen firsthand how much this team means to our area, and I’m excited to see them thrive, no matter where they play.

Let’s embrace this change and show the Rays the support they deserve. After all, they’re not just a baseball team but a part of Tampa Bay’s identity.

FAQs About the Tampa Bay Rays’ Move

Q: Why are the Rays moving to Tampa for the 2025 season?
A: Damage from Hurricane Milton has made Tropicana Field unplayable, so the Rays will temporarily play at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa.

Q: Will the Rays return to St. Petersburg?
A: The team plans to return to Tropicana Field once repairs are complete in 2026. A new stadium in St. Pete is also scheduled to open in 2028.

Q: How will this affect Tampa Bay’s economy?
A: The move is expected to boost Tampa’s local businesses but may impact those in Pinellas County that rely on game-day traffic.