The Tampa Bay Rays will host any 2025 MLB playoff games at their temporary home of George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, commissioner Rob Manfred acknowledged Tuesday, July 15.
Speaking to reporters in Atlanta on the afternoon of the All-Star Game, Manfred acknowledged concerns that have been raised about the stadium’s capacity of just over 11,000 being far smaller than any other potential playoff site. But he cut off speculation that the Rays could move to a larger park in another location for the postseason.
‘Our rule has always been that people play in their home stadiums during the World Series. And I’m not of a mind to change that rule,’ Manfred told the Tampa Bay Times. ‘I understand it’s a unique situation. It’s different, but that’s where they’re playing. That’s where they’re going to play their games.’
According to a report last month in The Athletic, there would be few issues with the Rays hosting a wild card or divisional playoff game at Steinbrenner Field.
However, if the team reached the AL championship series or the World Series, the scarcity of seats would create a number of problems for MLB.
The league office holds thousands of tickets for the LCS and World Series in reserve for a variety of participants and stakeholders. The reduced gate receipts would cut significantly into the players’ share of the postseason revenue. And the networks broadcasting the games wouldn’t have the usual amount of space and access needed to provide expanded coverage.
With a record of 50-47 at the All-Star break, the Rays are in fourth place in the AL East division, 5 ½ games behind the Toronto Blue Jays. They are fourth in the AL wild-card race, 1 ½ games behind the Seattle Mariners for the AL’s third and final wild-card berth.
Manfred said construction is on track to have Tropicana Field ready for the Rays’ 2026 season opener. He added that contingencies are in place, however, if the stadium is not ready by opening day.