The Tampa Bay Rays are playing at Steinbrenner Field for the 2025 season because their usual home, Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, was extensively damaged by Hurricane Milton in October 2024. The hurricane shredded the fiberglass roof of Tropicana Field, making repairs impossible before the 2025 season. As a result, the Rays struck a one-year deal with the New York Yankees to use their spring training ballpark, George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, as their temporary home for the entire season. Steinbrenner Field, traditionally the Yankees' spring training and minor league facility, underwent a significant transformation to accommodate the Rays. This included rebranding, facility upgrades, and making the stadium feel like home for the Rays players. The Rays began the season with extensive preparations to convert the stadium, installing thousands of signs and marketing assets. This move is temporary, and the Rays are obligated to restore the stadium to the Yankees at the end of the season. The field has a smaller capacity than typical MLB stadiums but provides a major-league-ready venue close to the Rays' usual area. Additionally, if the Rays qualify for the playoffs, they will host their home playoff games at Steinbrenner Field as well. In summary, the Rays are playing at Steinbrenner Field in 2025 due to Hurricane Milton's damage to Tropicana Field, making it unavailable for the season.