After Hurricane Milton wrought destruction on Tropicana Field last year and forced the Rays out, the team is returning home.
After a season away, the Tampa Bay Rays are coming back to Tropicana Field in 2026.
The team played its 2025 home games at Tampa’s Steinbrenner Field, a minor-league ballpark, after Hurricane Milton ripped off the roof of the Trop and forced a change of venue.
“"To see 21 panels up on that roof, and to know that in 145 days, Major League Baseball will be back in Saint Petersburg, it's really exciting," Rays CEO Ken Babby said Wednesday night in front of several hundred fans at Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill in downtown St. Pete. “The best is yet ahead, and we cannot wait to get started.”
The Rays’ home opener, against the Chicago Cubs, April 6.
The team also announced single-game ticket information, including the return of $10 seats.
In the introductory press conference for the new ownership group last month, Babby emphasized the importance of creating a new and improved fan experience in Tropicana Field.
The club also announced upgrades:
- expanded main video board;
- new video displays behind home plate and along both foul poles;
- a new sound system;
-and refreshed suite interiors.
There are also new premium seating options with upgraded seats and locations, and new all-inclusive ticket packages.
Fans currently are unable to visit Tropicana Field, but they can visit the immersive Premium Preview Center featuring a full-scale replica of the new seat options and an interactive virtual tour that lets guests experience the exact view from their chosen location, which is available at the new Rays Pop-Up Team Store across from Tropicana Field at 1101 1st Ave. S.
“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 said in the release.
“As we open single-game ticket sales, we’re proud to offer a variety of additional options that make it easy for fans across the region to be part of the experience. This season is all about energy, excitement, and rallying behind the Rays as we chase every victory together!”
Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Thursday, Nov. 13 at 2 p.m. in the MLB Ballpark app and at RaysBaseball.com/Tickets.