You can finally watch the Rays play in Tampa at Steinbrenner Field

Competitors on the field but collaborators in the community. It's true sportsmanship on display with the Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees organizations teaming up with other local leaders to make magic happen, giving you and your family the chance to watch the Rays play baseball in Tampa for the 2025 season.

We attended a media sneak peek of the transformation of George E. Steinbrenner Field from the home of the Yankees' spring training to this year's regular season home of the Tampa Bay Rays.

Crews have unloaded seven trucks full of stuff and have been busy swapping out logos and making upgrades, including an expanded visiting clubhouse and upgraded WiFi and broadcast cables.

There are so many new marketing items going in that if you lined them all up, they'd stretch more than a mile!

It's gearing up to be a very unique experience for Rays baseball fans as Tropicana Field undergoes repairs after Hurricane Milton left the roof in tatters and offices washed out.

What to expect during a Rays game at Steinbrenner Field

Steinbrenner Field is much smaller than Tropicana Field, which basically means every seat here will be a good seat.

“2025 is a unique opportunity to see regular-season Major League Baseball in one of the most intimate venues in the country. The 10,000 seats at Steinbrenner Field are as good as the best 10,000 seats at any other Major League Park in the country,” said Bill Walsh, Chief Business Officer with the Rays.

It won't just be a more intimate experience closer to the field, but with no roof, fans will need to be prepared for the weather and potential rain delays. The Rays have created a weather page so you can stay up to date on weather forecasts.

Walsh did mention that rain delays will be sponsored by Budweiser–for the adults in the room.

Since this is an outdoor stadium, the team sponsor, Orlando Health, will provide complimentary sunscreen kiosks and hydration stations…since you probably aren't in the routine of packing these items for a Rays game.

If you want to bring your own water bottles, you will be allowed to bring one 20-oz. sealed water bottle or an empty reusable, plastic bottle up to 44 oz. to refill at the water stations. Keep in mind that no metal, aluminum or glass bottles will be permitted.

New bag policy for Rays games at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa

There is a new clear-bag policy at Steinbrenner Field. Each person will be allowed one clear bag not to exceed 12” x 6” x 12”.

Small, single-pocket clutches, wallets, or fanny packs that do not exceed 5” x 7” are also permitted and do not have to be clear.

Exceptions to this policy include bags exclusively carrying necessary medical equipment or diaper/infant bags not exceeding 16” x 8” x 16,” accompanying a baby or toddler.

What else is new for the Rays season at Steinbrenner Field

Evening home games will have an exciting addition with light and sound shows during all games starting at 4:10 p.m. or later. Fireworks displays will be used during the national anthem, after every home run, and in celebration of each victory.

The team also has new fun giveaways, such as bobbleheads, tropical shirts, hats, branded towels, and more.

Returning favorites on game day 

Family Fundays, presented by RIPA, will return this season on Sunday afternoons, which will quickly become one of your family's favorite things to do with the kids in Tampa Bay!

Among the pregame entertainment, you can expect: face painters, balloon twisters, and a variety of additional interactive activities.

Fans 14 and under can also take advantage of free player autographs on Sundays along the first-base line, approximately 60 minutes before the game’s first pitch.

“As different as this season will be, some things remain the same. Raymond and
DJ Kitty will continue to bring smiles to children, young and old, and our mascot
races will continue featuring their friends, Stinger and Pete the Pelican,” said Walsh.

Related: Join the Club! Jr Bucs Fan Club and more local pro sports fan clubs for kids.

Popular ticket packages and Heritage Celebrations will also return this season, including:

• Star Wars on Thursday, May 1 vs. Royals
• Dominican Republic Heritage on Wednesday, June 4 vs. Rangers
• Cuban Heritage on Friday, June 6 vs. Marlins
• Florida A&M University on Tuesday, June 17 vs. Orioles
• Mexican Heritage on Wednesday, June 18 vs. Orioles
• Pride on Friday, June 20 vs. Tigers
• Italian Heritage on Monday, June 30 vs. Athletics
• University of South Florida on Saturday, August 23 vs. Cardinals
• University of Tampa on Saturday, September 20 vs. Red Sox

Rays home game tickets at Steinbrenner Field

There are several ticket options available, including a bargain, a $20 standing-room-only ticket for home games. These Rays Rush Tickets will be released prior to each home series throughout the season. For your chance, text RAYS to 42086. Taxes and fees are included in the all-in price of $20 per ticket. Note that you will need the MLB Ballpark app to access your tickets.

Single-game and ticket packages are available at RaysBaseball.com.

Sensory Bags available for games

Sensory bags will be available at Guest Services on the main concourse for fans with sensitivities to noise, lights, or crowds.

How the Rays ended up in Tampa this season

When Hurricanes Helene and Milton devastated our community six months ago, and the Rays were not immune, with the roof of their home stadium left in tatters and offices washed out.

“Last October, playing Major League Baseball in Tampa Bay in 2025 seemed, if not impossible, highly improbable,” said Bill Walsh, Chief Business Officer with the Rays. “Yet, due to the generosity, support, and hard work from our staff, our corporate partners, fans, Major League Baseball, the Tampa Sports Authority, and the Yankees organization, we are incredibly grateful to be here at this improbable moment.”

It's a true testament to community collaboration, and while they can be competitors on the field, everyone wins when we collaborate.