Rays will play earlier and later to avoid summer heat and rain

Marc Topkin, Tampa Bay Times on Jan 16, 2025

Published in Baseball

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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — In an effort to beat the heat and dodge the summer rain while playing outdoors at Steinbrenner Field, the Rays have pushed back the start of weeknight home games and moved up some weekend games.

In March, April and May, most weeknight home games will be scheduled for a 7:05 first pitch. Starting on June 3, most weeknight games will start at 7:35, presumably to allow for afternoon showers to pass through and temperatures to cool a bit.

Similarly, Sunday home games in April and May will start at 1:40 p.m. Starting June 8, first-pitch time will be 12:10.

Saturday game times vary, and there are some exceptions to the plan.

“We know that the 2025 season at Steinbrenner Field will bring new challenges, and we are working hard to create an outstanding game day experience for fans,” chief business officer Bill Walsh said in a news release. “We worked with Major League Baseball to craft a game schedule that considers weather, traffic and other events in the area. We’re excited for a fun and memorable year ahead.”

The Rays apparently also had to schedule around a pair of Metallica concerts at Raymond James Stadium, which is just across Dale Mabry Highway and will be used for Rays game parking.

With the first of two concerts on Friday night, June 6, the Rays will play a 1:10 p.m. game against the Marlins. With the second concert on Sunday, June 8, the teams will play at 12:10.

The Rays started most weeknight home games at 6:50 p.m. last season and at 6:40 in 2023.

Overall, the Rays will play 28 home games slated to start at 7:05 p.m., 25 at 7:35, nine at 12:10, seven at 1:10, six at 4:10 and five at 1:40. The start time for the Saturday, Aug. 2 game vs. the Dodgers is listed at TBD, likely based on potential Fox TV coverage.

The Rays are playing 2025 home games in Tampa because Hurricane Milton caused significant damage to Tropicana Field.

The Rays plan for stadium gates to open 90 minutes ahead of scheduled first pitch and parking lots to open three hours before.