Tampa Bay Rays Confirm Return to Tropicana Field for 2026 Season

UPDATE: The Tampa Bay Rays are officially heading home! In a major announcement just made, the team revealed it will return to an updated Tropicana Field for the 2026 season after playing the entirety of their 2025 home schedule at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa due to repairs from Hurricane Milton.

Team CEO Ken Babby expressed excitement about the return, 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.”

The Rays are set to kick off their home opener against the Chicago Cubs on April 6, 2026, after starting the season on the road. Extensive repairs are currently underway, focusing on the stadium’s roof and other internal areas damaged during the hurricane that struck in October 2024.

In anticipation of their return, the Rays announced several new ticket options that will go on sale tomorrow. Fans can also look forward to significant ballpark upgrades, including an expanded main videoboard, new video displays behind home plate, a state-of-the-art sound system, and refurbished suite interiors.

Additionally, the team plans to honor former Rays third baseman Evan Longoria with special events commemorating his legacy, including his induction into the team hall of fame. This emotional tribute highlights the team’s commitment to celebrating its history and community engagement.

During their time at Steinbrenner Field, the Rays finished with a 41-40 record and sold out 61 of 81 games, drawing a total of 786,750 fans. While they achieved on-field success in the past, the team faced challenges with attendance at Tropicana Field, despite World Series appearances in 2008 and 2020.

This season, the team experienced playing in an open-air ballpark for the first time, leading to 17 rain delays over 16 games, totaling nearly 18 hours of stoppage time. The roof of Tropicana Field, renowned for being the world’s largest cable-supported domed roof, sustained significant damage from Hurricane Milton.

Looking ahead, the Rays’ new owners have initiated a search for a new ballpark that could open by 2029, indicating a long-term vision for the franchise. As the team prepares for its return home, fans are urged to stay tuned for updates and ticket announcements.

For more information and the latest updates on the Tampa Bay Rays, visit their official website and follow them on social media. The excitement is palpable as the team gears up for a triumphant return to Tropicana Field, promising to unite fans and create unforgettable memories in the heart of St. Petersburg.