County officials backed a major upgrade for Steinbrenner Field on Wednesday. The 6-1 vote cleared the way for $18 million in fixes to the Tampa ballpark. A massive new scoreboard will cost $4.5 million, while the entrance plaza needs $2.5 million in work.
Money for the project comes from hotel stays through bed tax funds. None of the cash touches regular tax money. The fixes target worn-down parts of the Yankees’ spring home and aim to boost the fan experience.
“The Yankees have been incredible partners for decades,” said Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan, according to FOX 13 News. “They showed their true sense of community by allowing the Rays to play at Steinbrenner Field this past season.”
Josh Wostal, who often fights against stadium money, switched sides for this vote. “It requires us to maintain a safe standard where we could possibly assume liability for any harm,” Wostal said.
The fix-up list spans two dozen items. Big changes include new security gear, better Wi-Fi, fresh speakers, and parking lot repairs. Fans will notice added shade spots, updated food spots, and comfier seats across the park.
Built in ’96, the park started as Legends Field. In ’08, it took the Steinbrenner name to honor the Yankees’ boss who died two years later. The last updates happened seven years back.
When Hurricane Milton smashed Tropicana Field, the Rays found shelter here for 2025. Workers started pulling down Rays signs just this week.
This move comes as talks swirl about a possible Rays stadium at the nearby college grounds. “An agreement would have to be worked out with the Yankees and with Major League Baseball to get along,” Hagan said. “But there is certainly room.”
The work starts soon, piece by piece. First up: that big new scoreboard must shine before next spring’s games begin.