Tampa Bay Rays

The 2008 American League Rookie of the Year and franchise leader in nearly every offensive category will be honored during a pregame ceremony on June 7.

The group seeking to attract a team - perhaps the Tampa Bay Rays - says John Morgan, founder of the Morgan & Morgan law firm, is also financially involved in the effort.

The group says it has a received letters of intent from investors totaling $1.5 billion — along with funds for a new domed stadium — as the future of the Tampa Bay Rays remains uncertain.

WUSF’s Steve Newborn and Colleen Wright with the Tampa Bay Times discuss the latest twists and turns in the ongoing saga of Tropicana Field and the fate of the Rays.

The replacement roof panels should be installed by December, leaving the Rays a couple of months to finish up interior stadium repairs.

The city is obligated to make repairs. Once the roof is back, more damage must be addressed, but the work is expected to be done in time for the Rays to return to their longtime home next season.

Chris Steinocher, president of the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce, said the Rays' absence will affect the economy and community.

The Tampa Bay Rays got their first in-game look at their 2025 home at Steinbrenner Field. One player said it "will feel like a much-more packed house."

In an interview with Chris Russo on SiriusXM, commissioner Rob Manfred reiterated that "we believe in the market" and remains hopeful the Trop will be ready for the Rays in 2026.

Drivers should be prepared for road closures and heavy traffic — particularly in Ybor City — on Saturday, March 29.

For the first time in their 27-year history, the Rays will be playing home games outside. The Tampa ballpark will host the team's first pregame flyover — but could cause its first official rain delays.

Capacity at the Rays' temporary Tampa home will be just over 10,000, about 40% of Tropicana Field’s configuration of 25,025. Nevertheless, it's the 19th straight year the team has sold out the home opener.