Tampa Bay Rays Confirm Return to Tropicana Field in 2026

UPDATE: The Tampa Bay Rays are officially heading back home! The team just announced they will return to an updated Tropicana Field for the 2026 season after playing their entire 2025 home schedule at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa due to extensive repairs from Hurricane Milton.

This urgent development means fans can look forward to the home opener against the Chicago Cubs on April 6, 2026, as the Rays celebrate their return to downtown St. Petersburg. Team CEO Ken Babby expressed excitement about reconnecting with fans and local businesses, 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 to the stadium’s roof and internal areas are already in progress, with several significant upgrades planned, including an expanded main videoboard, new video displays behind home plate and along both foul poles, a new sound system, and updated suite interiors. These enhancements are part of the effort to revitalize the fan experience as they welcome back baseball to the Trop.

The Rays faced challenges while playing at Steinbrenner Field, finishing the season with a 41-40 record and selling out 61 of 81 games, drawing a total of 786,750 fans. However, they encountered difficulties with the open-air setting, experiencing 17 rain delays over 16 games that totaled nearly 18 hours.

The damage inflicted by Hurricane Milton was significant, with the stadium’s iconic roof, once hailed as the world’s largest cable-supported domed roof, suffering extensive destruction. Originally opened in 1990, the roof was a notable feature, constructed from translucent, Teflon-coated fiberglass and supported by 180 miles of cables.

As the team prepares for their return, they are also organizing events to honor former Rays third baseman Evan Longoria, including his induction into the team’s hall of fame. This celebration will mark a significant moment for fans who have watched Longoria’s journey with the franchise.

In a related move, the Rays have announced that infielder Bob Seymour has been released to pursue a playing opportunity in Asia, indicating ongoing roster changes as the team looks to strengthen for the upcoming seasons.

Looking ahead, the Rays are under new ownership, who are actively exploring options for a new ballpark that could potentially open in 2029. Despite their on-field successes, including World Series appearances in 2008 and 2020, the team has struggled with attendance challenges at Tropicana Field. The upcoming season will be crucial as they aim to rebuild their fan base and enhance their performance.

This news marks a pivotal moment for the Rays and their supporters. The anticipation is palpable as fans eagerly await the return to Tropicana Field, ready to embrace the excitement of baseball once again.