TAMPA, Fla. -- In a groundbreaking move in Major League Baseball (MLB) history, the Tampa Bay Rays are taking over the iconic Steinbrenner Field, home to the New York Yankees in the spring, starting with their 2025 season. The transformation kicked off this past Sunday at 5 PM, marking the beginning of an extraordinary four-day renovation effort to prepare the venue as the Rays' new home.

This unprecedented shift comes on the heels of Hurricane Milton's devastation to the Rays’ original home, Tropicana Field, which has been their base since their establishment in 1998. The hurricane's 120 mph winds inflicted significant structural damage, particularly to the roof, leading to the decision that repairs wouldn't be feasible for timely use in the upcoming season.

With just days to prepare, the stakes were high. The Rays and over 50 contractors worked tirelessly to rebrand Steinbrenner Field, replacing more than 3,000 signs with new ones that capture the spirit of the Rays, stretching if laid end to end for a remarkable mile. Despite the significant visual overhaul, the team's chief business officer, Bill Walsh, confirmed that simplifying the color scheme helped minimize the repainting efforts, given that the Yankees' navy blue closely resembles the Rays' own.

An amusing highlight of the makeover involves a 600-pound bronze statue of George Steinbrenner, which was explicitly designated as off-limits during the renovations. The meticulous efforts encompassed every part of the stadium, from the home clubhouse, where Rays players first suited up just 48 hours after the takeover, to upgrading team stores. The ongoing efforts always aimed to make it feel like home for the players despite the quick turnaround.

Rays manager Kevin Cash expressed confidence that his team would transition smoothly from their spring training location in Port Charlotte, 90 minutes south, to their new summer home, joking that "getting out of Port Charlotte, they'll take anything."

Securing a one-year deal with the Yankees for the use of Steinbrenner Field, where the Yankees' Single-A affiliate, the Tampa Tarpons, play, comes with a significant cost to the Rays — a whopping $15 million. The stadium is already undergoing enhancements that prioritize player wellness, such as a state-of-the-art weight room and even a players' lounge with an arcade. However, the anticipated total expenditure for these developments along with the latest renovations to meet regular-season standards could reach upwards of $50 million, as estimated by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred.

The capacity at Steinbrenner Field stands at just over 11,000 seats, which could present challenges for the Rays, who ranked 28th in MLB attendance last season. Despite having renewed their season tickets at Tropicana, greater seating numbers will significantly affect ticket availability.

With Florida's infamous summer weather poised to challenge gameplay, especially with increased humidity and rainfall, MLB has adjusted the game start times in June for better conditions. This season, the Rays will enjoy a string of home games to kick off their schedule.

A fascinating aspect of the transformation is the fields crew's adaptive work. For many of the staff members, this venue was uncharted territory, requiring them to get accustomed to the field dynamics and preparing for the unique challenges of an outdoor stadium.

Veteran second baseman Brandon Lowe viewed the first home game against the Yankees as a crucial opportunity to familiarize himself with the new surroundings. "Baseball players are very resilient and very good at adapting to changes," he mentioned, marking that even though the transition wouldn't be easy, it represents a promising step forward for the franchise.

The first game at Steinbrenner Field may not have felt completely like home for the Rays, as cheers for Yankees star Aaron Judge often out-rang them. Nevertheless, the buzz around the change burgeons with potential.

As preparations continue, there are ongoing discussions about accommodating broadcasts and press teams, with innovative solutions being implemented to resolve challenges with visibility and camera access.

The spectacle of transformation at Steinbrenner Field continues to unfold, with the Rays working tirelessly to put their stamp on the stadium that will become their temporary home. From brand-new signage to fresh interior designs, the organization embraces this unique chapter in their history. The spirited mantra of "Rays Up" can be seen on a billboard just outside, a fitting proclamation to announce their spirited arrival. Let's hope the 2025 season brings fresh hope and thrilling victories to this unexpected home!