The Tampa Bay Rays closed out their 2025 home season with a remarkable feat — completing all 81 games at Steinbrenner Field without a single rainout. Despite playing in an outdoor stadium in Tampa, where summer storms are infamous, the team avoided cancellations entirely.
A Season of Unexpected Change
After Hurricane Milton damaged Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, the Rays were forced to relocate their home games. Thanks to the New York Yankees, the team was able to use their 10,000-seat Spring Training ballpark. This temporary move transformed Steinbrenner Field into a full-time home for Major League Baseball for the first time in history.
Fans embraced the change, filling the stands to support the Rays while eagerly awaiting their return to Tropicana Field in 2026.
Weathering the Storm — Literally
According to news, the Rays were the only MLB team east of Denver to finish the season without a rainout. While about a dozen games faced rain delays, every single one was completed on the same day.
Dellegatto even highlighted on social media that the schedule helped: “Front loading the home games helped, but there were still 43 home games after June 1st.” The unique balance of timing and weather luck gave Rays fans uninterrupted baseball all summer long.
Final Homestand and Season Record
The Rays ended their 2025 season with a 7-3 victory over the Boston Red Sox, wrapping up their final homestand at Steinbrenner Field. Despite their best efforts, the team closed the year with a 76-80 record, already eliminated from postseason contention before the final weekend.
Still, the resilience shown during this challenging year showcased the Rays’ adaptability and the support of the Tampa Bay community.
Looking Toward 2026
The good news for fans is that Tropicana Field is expected to be ready in time for the Rays’ 2026 home opener. After a year away from St. Petersburg, excitement is building for their official return to the stadium that has been their home since 1998.
Until then, this unforgettable season at Steinbrenner Field will remain a unique chapter in the Rays’ history. Stay connected with the Tampa Bay Rays for updates.
The 2025 season proved that even in the stormiest conditions, Tampa Bay baseball thrives. But with Tropicana Field set to reopen — will 2026 bring the Rays back to postseason glory? Stay tuned.
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