According to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred on Tuesday, it cost $50 million to get the minor league ballpark into MLB compliance. That's on top of all the work the Yankees did to improve the facilities themselves.

In their first trip to Steinbrenner Field of 2025, the Rays were still the guests. Before, during and after their 4-0, spring-opening loss, they saw signs of their pending regular season takeover, such as the expansion of the visiting clubhouse to meet Major League Baseball’s standards.

Among the upgrades to the facilities are a made-to-order kitchen, a players lounge and a two-story weight room.

The cost to turn George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Fla., into a major league facility will exceed $50 million, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said. The Tampa Bay Rays will play their 2025 regular-season schedule at the complex -- the training and spring facility of the New York Yankees -- after being left without a home stadium.

Fans looking to see the Tampa Bay Rays play at their temporary home at George M. Steinbrenner Field will be able to buy single-game tickets starting Feb. 27.

Steinbrenner Field has been the Yankees' spring training home since 1996. But after Hurricane Milton damaged Tropicana Field, the Rays made a deal to play this coming season here.

The Rays will be one of two franchises playing 2025 home games in minor-league ballparks. The Athletics have left the Oakland Coliseum for Sutter Health Field in Sacramento, where they will play until their new Las Vegas stadium is ready for occupancy in 2028.

Hal Steinbrenner is lauded for letting the Tampa Bay Rays use Steinbrenner Field, showcasing unity. The Rays will not play at Tropicana Field this season.