Part 2/8:
For the upcoming seasons, the Rays will move from Tropicana Field, which had a capacity of 25,000, to Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, previously used for spring training and minor league games. This new venue is significantly smaller, accommodating just over 11,000 fans. As a result, ticket availability will decrease substantially, affecting the team’s ability to generate revenue through gate receipts, concessions, and merchandise sales.
The average attendance at Tropicana Field in 2022 was approximately 16,500, meaning the team was already operating at around 66% capacity. With the shift to Steinbrenner Field, which can hold 33% less fans than Tropicana, a substantial loss in potential income is anticipated.