Rays Return to Tropicana Field for Home Opener Against Cubs

Tampa Bay Rays open six-game homestand after playing last season away from their domed stadium.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 9:22am

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The Tampa Bay Rays will host the Chicago Cubs in their home opener at Tropicana Field on Monday, marking the team's return to their longtime stadium after playing last season away due to damage from Hurricane Milton. The Rays are eager to be back in front of their home fans, with the game already a sellout, as they open a six-game homestand. The Rays will start pitcher Shane McClanahan, while the Cubs will counter with Jameson Taillon, who has struggled with velocity this spring but has had success against Tampa Bay in the past.

Why it matters

The Rays' return to Tropicana Field is a significant moment for the franchise and its loyal fanbase after having to play elsewhere last season due to hurricane damage. The team is hoping the homecoming will provide a boost as they look to build on their success from recent seasons.

The details

Tropicana Field underwent renovations, including a new roof, over the past 18 months after being damaged by Hurricane Milton in October 2024. Rays manager Kevin Cash said he was impressed by the upgrades and is excited for the team's players and fans to experience the refurbished stadium. Reliever Griffin Jax, who joined the team last July, acknowledged the difficulty of playing at the Yankees' spring training facility in Tampa last season, saying 'the situation isn't great' and 'the environment wasn't awesome.' The Rays will start pitcher Shane McClanahan, who is looking to bounce back after a loss in his first outing, while the Cubs counter with Jameson Taillon, who has struggled with velocity this spring but has had success against Tampa Bay in the past.

  • The Rays' home opener against the Cubs is on Monday, April 6, 2026.
  • Hurricane Milton caused damage to Tropicana Field on October 9, 2024, forcing the Rays to play elsewhere last season.

The players

Kevin Cash

Manager of the Tampa Bay Rays.

Griffin Jax

Reliever who joined the Rays last July.

Shane McClanahan

Rays starting pitcher for the home opener.

Jameson Taillon

Cubs starting pitcher, who was born in Lakeland, Florida, an hour from Tropicana Field.

Craig Counsell

Manager of the Chicago Cubs.

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What they’re saying

“I briefly walked through there, couldn't be more impressed with the way it looks, and excited to see our fans. I think our guys are going to appreciate just having our fans in the building, cheering us on for our opening day.”

— Kevin Cash, Manager, Tampa Bay Rays

“It was difficult. I don't think anybody expects to play in a situation like that. ... The situation isn't great. The environment wasn't awesome, but it's still baseball. You just have to roll with it.”

— Griffin Jax, Reliever, Tampa Bay Rays

“Hopefully as the weather warms up and we keep working, (velocity will) come. But I just needed to get back to executing and finding a way to get big-league hitters out.”

— Jameson Taillon

What’s next

The Rays will look to build momentum in their home opener and six-game homestand, while the Cubs will hope Jameson Taillon can find his form and velocity as the weather warms up.

The takeaway

The Rays' return to Tropicana Field represents a fresh start for the franchise and its loyal fanbase after having to play elsewhere last season. The team is eager to recapture the energy and support of their home crowd as they aim to build on their recent success.