The Tampa Bay Rays are blazing their way towards the MLB playoffs, but there’s a curveball in the mix—they’ve got a stadium conundrum that could throw a wrench into the works.
According to reports, the Rays are already in talks with MLB about potentially hosting playoff games at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa. But here’s the twist: this stadium only offers 10,046 seats. For crucial games like the American League Championship Series or even the World Series, this might not cut it.
Normally, Steinbrenner Field is the spring training home for the New York Yankees, but it became the Rays’ go-to spot after Tropicana Field was hit by a hurricane last October. Despite its charm, the stadium’s limited capacity could mean fewer ticket sales, thus impacting the bottom line for the team.
Meanwhile, relocating the games to a neutral venue like Miami’s loanDepot park or Atlanta’s Truist Park could be a logistical headache, particularly for players concerned about travel impacts on their families.
While there’s still time for MLB and the Rays to reach a decision, showcasing playoff games at a minor league stadium isn’t likely to tickle the league’s fancy. However, with no clear alternatives, options might be slimmer than anticipated.
As it stands, the Rays hold a solid position with a 44-35 record, securing second place in the American League East. If the postseason commenced today, they’d be slotted in as the AL’s top wild-card contender. So, as they keep swinging for the fences, everyone’s keen to see how this stadium saga unfolds.
