Today, Monday, April 6, 2026, marks the long‑awaited return of the Tampa Bay Rays to Tropicana Field. After Hurricane Milton ripped open the dome in late 2024, the team spent the entire 2025 season playing at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa. Now, with repairs complete and upgrades installed, baseball is finally back under the dome in St. Petersburg.
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This homecoming represents renewal, stability, and the beginning of a new era for the franchise.
A New Ownership Era Begins
The 2026 season is the first under the Pat Zalupski ownership group. Led by Zalupski and CEO Ken Babby, the Rays are pushing forward with a modernized vision for the franchise. With two years left on the Tropicana Field lease, the organization is actively negotiating a new stadium deal in Tampa, aiming to secure a long‑term home that reflects the team’s ambitions.
Tropicana Field Reimagined and Repaired
Fans returning to The Trop will notice significant improvements, including:
- A fully replaced and reinforced roof
- New artificial turf
- Renovated suites and club spaces
- Upgraded video boards and lighting
- Enhanced concourse areas
The stadium feels refreshed, brighter, and more fan‑friendly than it has in years.
Rays.TV Launches as Broadcast Options Expand
The Rays debut their new Rays.TV streaming platform this season, offering blackout‑free, direct‑to‑consumer access. The team games can be seen on all cable and satellite services throughout the Bay Area and the state. WDAE 95.7 FM/620 AM continues as the radio home for Rays baseball.
The 2026 Season So Far
The Rays enter their home opener with a 4–5 record, tied for second place with Baltimore and Toronto and three games behind the Yankees in the AL East. Today’s matchup brings the St. Louis Cardinals to Tropicana Field for a long‑anticipated return to home turf.
Probable Rays Starting Pitcher
Shane McClanahan is expected to start the home opener. He last pitched on March 31 and remains the projected No. 1 starter heading into April 6.
Probable Rays Starting Lineup (Based on March 4–6, 2026 Games)
Using the Rays’ most recent lineups from March 4–6, 2026, here is the accurate projected Opening Day batting order:
- Yandy Díaz, DH
- Jonathan Aranda, 1B
- Josh Fraley, RF
- Junior Caminero, 3B
- Cedric Mullins, CF
- Nick Fortes, C
- Cameron Simpson, LF
- Brandon Williamson, SS
- Richie Palacios, 2B
A Homecoming Nearly 600 Days in the Making
For fans, players, and the entire Tampa Bay community, today is more than just Opening Day. It’s a celebration of resilience and the return of baseball to its rightful home. After nearly 600 days away, the Rays are finally back at Tropicana Field, ready to begin a new chapter under a repaired roof and renewed leadership.
Baseball is home again in St. Petersburg as the long-term goal in Tampa continues to be worked out.
