Tampa Bay Rays Celebrate Return To Tropicana Field With A Win

ST. PETERSBURG, FL - Members of the Tampa Bay Rays line up along the base path prior to the game between the Chicago Cubs and the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on Monday, April 6, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida.

(Photo by Mike Carlson/MLB Photos via Getty Images) MLB Photos via Getty Images It was a landmark day in Tampa Bay sports history on March 31, 1998 when Wilson Alvarez threw the first pitch to Detroit’s Brian Hunter in the then-Devil Rays’ inaugural game. While Monday afternoon’s home opener was not on that level, there was no lack of pomp and circumstance and whistles and bells. After all, it had been 561 days since Tropicana Field hosted a baseball game.

The Rays played the 2025 season at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa after the Trop sustained major damage from Hurricane Milton in October 2024. Monday marked the unveiling of the tremendous work performed by all involved in repairing the venue so that the home team could be at home again. The fact the Rays defeated the Cubs, 6-4, only added to a festive day that included Tampa mayor Jane Castor and St.

Petersburg mayor Ken Welch throwing out ceremonial first pitches. Well before those tosses, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was pitching to his son down the right field line. Seven-time Academy of Country Music Award winner, Eric Church, performed the national anthem.