For over a century, Tampa has been a key location for professional baseball, with various Major League Baseball teams using Florida as their Spring Training home. The New York Yankees have held their Spring Training in Tampa since 1996, when they moved into George M. Steinbrenner Field. Two years later, in 1998, the region welcomed its first professional MLB team, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, following the league’s expansion. Since their inception, the team—now known simply as the Rays—has played at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. However, in October 2024, Tropicana Field suffered severe damage from Hurricane Milton, which ripped off the stadium’s roof and caused extensive water damage. With the roof unable to be replaced in time for the 2025 season, the Rays will temporarily relocate to Steinbrenner Field.

Steinbrenner Field, originally known as Legends Field, opened in March 1996 at a construction cost of $30 million. Over the years, the stadium has undergone two major renovations, including the largest in 2016. This $40 million project upgraded the seating, added new suites, loge boxes, club areas, and enhanced fan amenities throughout the park. In March 2008, the ballpark was renamed in honor of Yankees’ legendary owner, George M. Steinbrenner. Today, the stadium has a seating capacity of over 11,000, with most of the seats in a single-deck configuration stretching from behind home plate down both the first and third base lines. Additional seating is located in left and right field. After the Yankees complete their 2025 Spring Training season, the Rays will rebrand the stadium to reflect their own identity. The Tampa Bay Rays will play their first game at Steinbrenner Field on March 28, 2025, against the Colorado Rockies.