Rays Adjust Game Times to Beat the Heat
The Tampa Bay Rays have made changes to their game schedule to combat the hot weather and summer rainfall while playing at Steinbrenner Field. Weeknight home games have been rescheduled, and weekend game times have been adjusted.
Weeknight Game Schedule Changes
In the months of March, April, and May, most weeknight home games will start at 7:05 PM. However, starting on June 3, the weeknight games will begin at 7:35 PM to avoid the afternoon showers and allow for cooler temperatures.
Weekend Game Adjustments
Sunday home games in April and May will have a first pitch at 1:40 PM. Starting from June 8, the Sunday game times will be moved up to 12:10 PM. Saturday game times will vary, with some exceptions to the schedule.
![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. [Tampa Bay Rays]](https://www.tampabay.com/resizer/v2/in-an-effort-to-beat-the-heat-and-dodge-YWHRKPY2NRECXFBWXMVMP4YRTQ.jpg?auth=f415366581ee868f2a9357de1c2439ca26fbc4806bba7d1490ef98e5a0d58ff4&width=480 "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. [Tampa Bay Rays]")
Special Event Scheduling
The scheduling adjustments also had to accommodate Metallica concerts at Raymond James Stadium. The proximity of the stadium led to changes in game times, ensuring smooth parking arrangements for Rays games.
Previous Game Times and Reasons for Change
Historically, weeknight home games started at 6:50 PM in the last season and at 6:40 PM in 2023. The changes were necessitated by Hurricane Milton’s damage to Tropicana Field, leading the Rays to host their 2025 home games in Tampa.
This story will be updated.
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Conclusion
The Tampa Bay Rays have made strategic adjustments to their game schedule to ensure a comfortable and efficient playing experience for both players and fans.
FAQs
Why did the Rays change their game times?
The changes were made to avoid hot weather and summer rainfall while playing at Steinbrenner Field.
Where will the Rays play their 2025 home games?
Due to Hurricane Milton’s impact on Tropicana Field, the Rays will host their 2025 home games in Tampa.
