Rays Confirm Return to Tropicana Field in 2026 After Repairs

UPDATE: The Tampa Bay Rays are officially returning home! The team announced just moments ago that they will play at an upgraded Tropicana Field starting in the 2026 season, after temporarily relocating to Steinbrenner Field in Tampa for the entire 2025 home schedule due to extensive repairs needed from damage inflicted by Hurricane Milton in October 2024.

Ken Babby, CEO of the Rays, expressed enthusiasm about the move, stating,

“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.”

Repairs are currently underway, focusing on the stadium’s roof and other critical internal areas. The team plans to kick off its home opener against the Chicago Cubs on April 6, 2026, after starting the season on the road.

In a significant commitment to enhancing fan experience, the Rays are introducing new ticket options set to go on sale this Thursday. Upgrades to the ballpark will include an expanded main videoboard, new video displays behind home plate and along both foul poles, a state-of-the-art sound system, and refreshed suite interiors.

In addition to the renovations, the team will host events to honor former Rays third baseman Evan Longoria, including his induction into the team hall of fame.

During their time at Steinbrenner Field, the Rays finished the season with a 41-40 record and sold out an impressive 61 of 81 games, drawing a total of 786,750 fans. However, the challenges of playing in an open-air ballpark were evident, with 17 rain delays affecting a total of 16 games, amounting to nearly 18 hours of disruptions.

The roof of Tropicana Field, once celebrated as the world’s largest cable-supported domed roof, was severely damaged during Hurricane Milton. Originally opened in 1990, the stadium features panels made of translucent, Teflon-coated fiberglass supported by 180 miles of cables.

Amid these developments, the Rays are under new ownership and are actively seeking a new ballpark that could open as early as 2029. Despite facing challenges with attendance at Tropicana Field, the team has achieved notable success on the field, including World Series appearances in 2008 and 2020.

In a surprising move, the team also announced the release of infielder Bob Seymour, who is set to pursue a playing opportunity in Asia.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Rays gear up for their highly anticipated return to Tropicana Field!