Following Hurricane Milton, Tampa area politicians will have time to figure out the Rays’ ballpark situation, with no discussions currently about moving the team, according to baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred.
“Given the damage in the area, it’s only fair to give local governments in the Tampa Bay region time to assess their resources and figure out what’s possible,” Manfred said Wednesday after a Major League Baseball owners meeting.
In September 2023, Tampa Bay revealed a stadium plan, but after Hurricane Milton caused damage to Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg on October 9, the Pinellas County Commission has not approved the financing for the new stadium.
The Rays stated this week that the new ballpark might not open until 2029, if at all.
“We’re committed to the fans in Tampa Bay,” Manfred added. “Given everything that’s happened, we’re focused on our franchise in Tampa Bay right now.”
The Rays will play their home games this season at the New York Yankees’ spring training stadium, Steinbrenner Field, in Tampa.
“It’s one thing to make a temporary plan for 2025, which we’ve done,” Manfred said. “But once you’re into a second year, there will need to be another temporary solution unless the Trop is repaired. By that time, a plan for a permanent facility will be needed.”
Committee meetings were held on Wednesday, with a full owners meeting scheduled for Thursday.
