Tampa Bay Rays Confirm Return to Tropicana Field in 2026

UPDATE: The Tampa Bay Rays are officially set to return to Tropicana Field for the 2026 season, just confirmed in a statement made earlier today. After extensive repairs due to damage from Hurricane Milton in October 2024, the team will kick off its home games against the Chicago Cubs on April 6, 2026.

The announcement was made by team CEO Ken Babby, who 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.

Repairs are currently underway, focusing on the stadium’s roof and various internal areas. The $22.5 million renovation plan aims to enhance the fan experience with significant upgrades, including an expanded main videoboard, new video displays behind home plate and along both foul poles, an upgraded sound system, and refreshed suite interiors.

In light of the upcoming changes, the Rays will introduce several new ticket options, which go on sale tomorrow. The anticipation is building as fans look forward to celebrating the return of baseball at Tropicana Field, which has been a cornerstone of the community since its opening in 1990.

During their time at Steinbrenner Field in 2025, the Rays had a mixed performance, finishing with a 41-40 record and selling out 61 of 81 games with an attendance of 786,750 fans. However, the team faced challenges, including 17 rain delays over 16 games, totaling nearly 18 hours of interruptions, marking the first experience for the Rays playing in an open-air stadium.

The return to Tropicana Field comes as the team grapples with attendance issues and explores options for a new ballpark, targeting a potential opening in 2029 under new ownership. Despite ongoing struggles with fan turnout, the Rays have seen moments of on-field success, with notable World Series appearances in 2008 and 2020.

In a related development, the Rays announced the release of infielder Bob Seymour, who will pursue a playing opportunity in Asia. As the team prepares for its transition back to Tropicana, all eyes will be on the upcoming season and the potential revitalization of baseball in St. Petersburg.

Stay tuned for further updates on the renovations and the exciting events planned to welcome the team back home.