Rob Manfred Talks Major League Upgrades
Major League Baseball (MLB) Commissioner Rob Manfred was candid about the costs and challenges involved in bringing two minor-league stadiums up to Major League standards during a Cactus League spring training media conference in Phoenix. He highlighted the extensive $50 million-plus renovations required for Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, which will serve as the temporary home for the Tampa Bay Rays starting in the 2025 MLB regular season. Manfred expressed admiration for the Yankees’ principal owner, Hal Steinbrenner, who has invested significantly in the facility, doubling the space dedicated to players and adding numerous amenities.
The Yankees’ Generous Investment
The Yankees have been proactive in ensuring that Steinbrenner Field is ready to host Major League games. They renovated the home clubhouse and added 34,000 square feet of additional space for dining areas, weight rooms, and training rooms, bringing the total footprint to about 50,000 square feet. An extra 12,000 square feet of concourse space was also created along the first-base side of the stadium. These upgrades not only benefit the Yankees but will also significantly enhance the experience for the Rays when they move in. The Yankees will play 15 home spring training games at the renovated stadium, after which they will hand over the facilities to the Rays. For the six games the Yanks play in Tampa during the regular season, they will use the visiting team facilities, which have also been meticulously upgraded.
Hurricanes and the Rays’ Temporary Home
The Rays’ move to Steinbrenner Field was necessitated by Hurricane Milton, which caused severe damage to Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, including the loss of its roof and $55.7 million worth of wind and water damage. The Rays hope to return to Tropicana Field in 2026, but the city of St. Petersburg still has significant work to do to restore the stadium. The Rays are responsible for several aspects of the temporary facility, including field maintenance, box office operations, game day operations, and their own branding. Fiber optic cables have also been upgraded to ensure modern technology and seamless communication.
The Athletics’ Move to West Sacramento
Meanwhile, the Oakland Athletics are preparing to play their home games at Sutter Home Park in West Sacramento, sharing the stadium with the Triple-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, the River Cats. The A’s left Oakland at the end of last season and plan to use Sutter Home Park for three seasons before moving to Las Vegas in 2028. The minor-league ballpark holds 14,014 spectators, with 10,624 grandstand seats and the remainder on a right field berm and standing room. The A’s have already sold a significant number of season tickets, primarily at a higher price point, reflecting the increased interest in Major League games.
Extensive Renovations for the A’s
To make Sutter Home Park suitable for MLB games, numerous upgrades are being made. These include enhancements to the dugouts, clubhouse, lighting, press box, video board, and field turf. The decision was made to play all games on natural grass to better handle the average summer temperatures of 95 degrees. A new home clubhouse is being constructed beyond the left field fence, and the project is being split between A’s owner John Fisher and Vivek Ranadivé, the co-owner and chairman of the NBA’s Sacramento Kings. Ranadivé also owns the River Cats and the stadium, adding a unique layer of collaboration to the project. Commissioner Manfred visited the facility last month and was impressed by the community’s enthusiasm and the significant investments being made to improve the ballpark.
Looking Forward to Las Vegas
When it comes to the A’s future home in Las Vegas, Manfred indicated that the team remains on schedule to move in by 2028. While he couldn’t provide more specific details, Manfred’s comments suggest that the project is progressing as planned. Both the Rays and the A’s are navigating challenging transitions, but the support and collaboration from their respective communities, as well as the investments from team owners, are crucial in ensuring a smooth and exciting transition for fans and players alike. The adaptability and forward-thinking approaches of these teams highlight the dynamic nature of Major League Baseball and its commitment to providing top-tier experiences for all its fans.
