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The calm after the storm: It’s time for Rays baseball to finally return

After arguably the most tumultuous off season in MLB history, the Tampa Bay Rays are getting ready to do their talking on the diamond.

George M. Steinbrenner Field in the sunshine. The stands are empty, and the new temporary Rays hoardings and signage lines the stadium. We are positioned outside the stadium looking in, as grounds crew can be seen working on the field and diamond.

Welcome to your new home field.

Photo via Tampa Bay Rays

The time for talk is over. For now, the committee meetings, uncertain future, and contradictory statements from various officials can all be put on the back-burner. Rays baseball is back.

The Rays get their 2025 season underway on Friday, March 28 with a sold-out home encounter with the Colorado Rockies. The team’s temporary, Hurricane Milton-induced home for this year is George M. Steinbrenner Field, bringing Rays baseball to Tampa for the very first time.

Steinbrenner has the lowest capacity of any MLB stadium, maxing out at 10,046 — that’s way down from the Trop’s ~25,000. With far fewer seats available, tickets might be at a premium as the season unfolds. Our advice: Take a look at the schedule, make a plan, and buy tickets way in advance.

This is quite possibly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch Major League Baseball in the Cigar City. Miss out at your peril.

Rays up.

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