Major League Baseball Stadium Changes in 2025

News Summary

In 2025, MLB stadiums are set to undergo significant changes as the Tampa Bay Rays relocate to George M. Steinbrenner Field and the Oakland Athletics prepare for their move to Las Vegas. Additionally, the Houston Astros have rebranded their stadium to Daikin Park, and discussions about a new stadium in Portland are gaining momentum. Exciting developments are shaping the future of baseball, with the potential for MLB expansion and various renovations on the horizon.

The Changing Face of Major League Baseball Stadiums in 2025

In the lively city of Tampa, big changes are on the horizon for baseball enthusiasts as the Tampa Bay Rays find a temporary new home for the 2025 season. With their beloved Tropicana Field taken out of commission due to hurricane damage that left its dome’s roof peeling away in October 2024, the Rays are making the move to George M. Steinbrenner Field. This stadium, famous for hosting the spring training of the New York Yankees, will serve as a cozy setting for Rays fans to enjoy their favorite team.

Moving West

Meanwhile, over in Oakland, the Athletics are packing their bags for a trip to Las Vegas. With their shiny new stadium set to open in 2028, the team will spend the next three seasons playing at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, home to the San Francisco Giants‘ Triple-A affiliate. This move marks an exciting chapter for baseball lovers in Vegas, as the city is set to embrace their very own Major League team.

Name Changes and Rankings

Houston Astros have now bid farewell to their Minute Maid Park brand, rebranding it to Daikin Park after over two decades of history. On another note, the Chicago White Sox have decided to shorten their stadium’s name from Guaranteed Rate Field to simply Rate Field. Sometimes less is more.

As we look ahead, an intriguing ranking of MLB stadiums, conducted by eight reporters and editors, has omitted Tropicana Field and Sutter Health Park due to their temporary statuses. In this ranking, the Arizona Diamondbacks‘ Chase Field found itself near the bottom, just above the Chicago White Sox’s Rate Field. Though it’s renowned for its unique pool in the outfield stands, it seems time has not been too kind to it since its opening in 1998. The atmosphere at Rate Field pales in comparison, especially considering the White Sox’s recent dismal season with a record of 41-121.

Interestingly, the crown jewels of the stadiums were awarded to PNC Park, home to the Pittsburgh Pirates. This beauty continues to impress even though it opened just three years after Chase Field. The management of the Diamondbacks is not resting on their laurels, as plans are underway for a refurbishment of Chase Field, with hopes to revitalize the experience for fans.

Exciting Developments in Portland

Look out, baseball fans! The Portland Diamond Project is back in action and presented exciting plans for a new MLB stadium to a legislative committee. The proposed ballpark is destined for Zidell Yards in the stunning South Waterfront area, boasting a picturesque view of the Willamette River. Their grand design features a translucent, retractable roof and a seating capacity of 32,000, promising to be a thrilling venue for baseball in the coming years.

The management group reached a purchase sale agreement for the 33-acre site in February 2025, with an estimated construction cost of around $2 billion. To make this dream come true, they are considering leveraging Senate Bill 5, which would allow utilizing future income taxes generated from player salaries to fund the stadium. This method means no extra tax burden for Oregonians, making it a win-win!

A Bright Future Ahead

As MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has expressed, there is a push for expansion before 2029. Other potential sites like Austin, Salt Lake City, and Raleigh are heating up the competition. But all eyes are currently on Portland, as Mayor Keith Wilson believes the city could be in good standing to host a new MLB team. The countdown is on for baseball fans as exciting changes sweep across the league!

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Additional Resources

• USA Today: MLB Stadium Rankings 2025
• AZ Central: MLB Ballpark Rankings 2025
• Oregon Live: MLB Stadium in Portland
• ABC7 News: Oldest MLB Stadium
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Baseball Stadiums
• Google Search: MLB Stadiums 2025