At certain points during this season, the Tampa Bay Rays will face an unprecedented event: their first-ever rain delay at a home game in franchise history. It’s a unique situation that many fans may not expect, but with the team’s transition to the open-air Steinbrenner Field, weather is poised to play a significant role in the game-day experience, more than it ever has before.
After the devastation of Hurricane Milton last October, which left their Tropicana Field roof non-existent, the Rays are now learning to navigate this new reality. William Walsh, the Rays’ chief business officer, describes the challenge clearly: “As much as we’re responsible for the operations within our stadium, we are reaching out for support to the Yankees’ staff, who know this venue and have experience dealing with weather issues.” It’s a collaboration that symbolizes not just survival, but the spirit of community inherent in baseball.
To ensure fans have up-to-date information during any potential weather interruptions, the Rays have appointed Eric Weisberg, their vice president of fan relations, as their official weather coordinator. This is not just a title; it’s a commitment to enhancing the fan experience, especially when the clouds gather. Weisberg understands that staying informed is key. “Communication matters,” he emphasizes, sharing that he’ll be keeping in close contact with team managers, MLB representatives, and local meteorologists to monitor the skies and relay critical updates to fans.
Planning for turbulent weather is not solely a guessing game. Weisberg relied on insights from other major league teams. One piece of advice he took to heart came from the Pittsburgh Pirates: sometimes a game might seem like it could get interrupted even before it starts. “They mentioned having delays when it wasn’t even raining,” he said. “Our fans need to understand why a delay is happening, and so we’re looking at ways to keep them informed, including using the video board to show real-time radar.”
Just last year, Tampa witnessed its wettest recorded year, with a staggering 80.29 inches of rainfall, primarily from June to mid-October. For context, the Yankees’ Single-A affiliate, the Tarpons, had 20 of their 60 home games at Steinbrenner Field affected by weather, underscoring the challenges ahead for the Rays.
When rain threatens to dampen the atmosphere, Walsh shared their plans to harness technology to keep fans engaged. They have exciting plans for the MLB Ballpark app, looking to run promotions and share messages via text during delays. “Here in Florida, the weather can shift in the blink of an eye,” he points out. “Being agile and keeping communication flowing is essential.” It’s reassuring to know that the team is dedicated to making your experience enjoyable, no matter the weather.
But rain isn’t their only concern. Tampa’s sweltering summer heat can pack a punch as well, and the Rays are keen on ensuring all fans stay safe and comfortable. They’ve added large tent structures around the concourses to provide much-needed shade. They’ve also rolled out hydration stations and even allow fans to bring in their own sealed 20-ounce bottles of water. It’s a thoughtful touch to ensure everyone stays hydrated, and once at the game, they can refill their cups, up to 44 ounces, as needed. Additionally, misting fans strategically placed around the park and promotional giveaways of hats and cooling towels will help combat the heat.
In acknowledgment of the Florida climate, the Rays have relaxed the dress code for their staff, allowing more breathable options. Gone are the days when gate staff were required to wear full pants; now they can sport jerseys, sneakers, and hats for better airflow. It’s a small but significant shift that mirrors the organization’s willingness to adapt.
Recognizing these elements of the weather, the Rays and MLB made smart choices with their schedule to maximize comfort and minimize risk. They’re set to play an impressive 37 of their first 54 games at Steinbrenner Field in the early part of the season to avoid the grueling heat of July and August, making only 16 home games during those peak months.
In another incredibly thoughtful move, game times throughout the summer have been adjusted to 7:35 p.m., allowing fans to dodge the possibility of those notorious late-afternoon thunderstorms. Weisberg notes that often the real issue is not the games themselves but the preparation and practices leading up to them. “It’s often during batting practice or warm-ups that we see the most interruptions,” he explains, which is why these shifts are so vital.
While the team has plans to return to Tropicana Field next season, discussions have unfolded regarding significant funding to replace its roof—a crucial factor in moving forward with their plans. Team owner Stu Sternberg assured the city and Pinellas County that while they will keep their options open, the Hurricane’s aftermath has put many things into perspective for them.
In the meantime, all eyes will be on Steinbrenner Field as the Rays gear up for an exciting 2025 season. “The core principle we’re embracing is adaptability,” Walsh states. This new chapter might seem daunting, but it’s also filled with possibility as both the team and the fans navigate this fresh experience hand in hand. It’s the kind of spirit that takes a team to new heights, rain or shine.
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