Mayor ‘thankful’ Rays will remain close to home
November 14, 2024 - Mayor Ken Welch said Thursday that he is thankful the Tampa Bay Rays will play the 2025 season "close to home" at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa. He also noted the city is "taking the necessary steps" to ensure the team can return to Tropicana Field for the 2026 season. "Additionally, we will continue to focus our efforts on ensuring that the Historic Gas Plant District redevelopment stays on track," Welch said in a prepared statement.