Tampa Bay Rays Confirm Return to Tropicana Field for 2026 Season

UPDATE: The Tampa Bay Rays are officially returning to Tropicana Field in 2026 after extensive repairs from hurricane damage. The announcement, made just moments ago, confirms the team will play their home opener against the Chicago Cubs on April 6, 2026, following a season spent at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa due to Hurricane Milton’s devastation in October 2024.

Team CEO Ken Babby expressed excitement about reuniting with fans and local businesses in downtown St. Petersburg. “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,” Babby stated.

The repairs to the stadium, including a damaged roof and internal areas, are currently ongoing. The Rays are unveiling several new ticket options for fans starting Thursday, alongside significant upgrades to the ballpark. Enhancements include an expanded main videoboard, new video displays, a state-of-the-art sound system, and revamped suite interiors.

In a nostalgic move, the franchise plans to honor former third baseman Evan Longoria with a hall of fame induction celebration during the season. This emotional tribute highlights the team’s commitment to both history and community engagement.

During their temporary stay at Steinbrenner Field, the Rays recorded a 41-40 record and sold out 61 of their 81 games, attracting 786,750 fans. However, the team faced challenges, notably experiencing 17 rain delays over 16 games, totaling nearly 18 hours of interruptions.

Tropicana Field, known for its distinctive design featuring the world’s largest cable-supported domed roof, suffered severe damage due to Hurricane Milton. The stadium, which opened in 1990, relied on 180 miles of cables connected by struts to support its translucent, Teflon-coated fiberglass panels.

In addition to the return announcement, the Rays confirmed that infielder Bob Seymour has been released to pursue opportunities in Asia. The team, now under new ownership, is also exploring options for a new ballpark that could potentially open in 2029.

As the countdown to the 2026 season begins, fans are eager for the return of Rays baseball and the revitalization of Tropicana Field. Stay tuned for further updates as the team prepares for a new chapter in their history.