Tampa Bay Rays to host playoff games at Steinbrenner Field if they advance

The Tampa Bay Rays will host playoff games at Steinbrenner Field if they advance to the postseason, according to Commissioner Rob Manfred. The decision means the Rays will continue to play in their current 10,046-seat venue, which is the New York Yankees' spring training home. The Rays moved into the park this season after their home ballpark in St. Petersburg sustained damage from Hurricane Ian. The Athletics, who are also in a similar situation, will remain in their minor league park in West Sacramento until their new ballpark in Las Vegas is ready in 2028.

Title: Tampa Bay Rays to Host Playoff Games at Steinbrenner Field

The Tampa Bay Rays will host potential playoff games at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida, according to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. This decision follows the team's move to the stadium due to damage sustained at Tropicana Field from Hurricane Ian. The Rays currently occupy the fourth place in the American League East, just 1½ games behind the Seattle Mariners for the third wild-card spot.

Steinbrenner Field, home to the New York Yankees' spring training, has a seating capacity of 10,046, significantly lower than the approximately 25,000 fans that Tropicana Field can accommodate. The Athletics, who are also playing in a temporary venue, will remain in their minor league park in West Sacramento until their new ballpark in Las Vegas is ready in 2028.

Manfred emphasized that the Rays will play in their home stadium during the playoffs, adhering to the league's rule. "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," he said [2].

The Rays' situation is part of a broader trend in MLB, with several teams facing temporary stadium changes due to damage or relocation. The Athletics, for instance, are currently playing in a minor league park in West Sacramento while their new Las Vegas stadium is under construction.

The Rays' potential playoff games at Steinbrenner Field highlight the challenges and complexities that teams face when dealing with stadium issues. While the Rays have a unique situation due to the hurricane damage, the Athletics' situation is more about relocation. Both teams are navigating temporary stadiums, which can have significant financial and operational implications.

The Rays are also in the midst of a potential ownership change. An agreement has been reached for the sale of the team for $1.7 billion, but the sale will not happen until after the postseason [1]. The sale is being led by real estate developer Patrick Zalupski, who is expected to take over the team after the current ownership under Stu Sternberg.

The Rays' playoff games at Steinbrenner Field, if they advance, will be a significant moment for the team and its fans. The stadium's lower capacity may pose challenges, but it also presents an opportunity to engage with local fans and create a unique playoff atmosphere.

References
[1] https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/45747275/rays-host-games-steinbrenner-field-playoffs
[2] https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/breaking-news/article/tampa-bay-rays-will-play-postseason-home-games-at-steinbrenner-field-if-they-make-playoffs-rob-manfred-says-172505235.html