Yankees To Stay In Tampa Until 2046; Stadium To Receive Improvements

The New York Yankees’ will call George M. Steinbrenner Field their Spring Training home for the next few decades; well 2046 to be exact.

Not only is the contract for the extension of the Yankees’ time in Tampa but also renovations to the facility as well. The Tampa Sports Authority and the New York Yankees have agreed to a plan that will make the stadium a better fan experience overall; costing $40 million. The money will be used to add a new concourse in the outfield so that fans will be able to navigate their way around the entire stadium. Shaded areas to protect fans from the hot Florida sun will also be added to the complex. Gathering areas for larger groups will also be another added feature to Steinbrenner Field. The Yankees’ Minor League Facility across the street at Himes Avenue will also receive upgrades as well.

The $40 million cost will be divided between the New York Yankees, Hillsborough County and the State of Florida’s Spring Training Retention Program.

Although the deal is agreed upon between the Yankees and TSA it must also now be approved by Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, the nearby Hillsborough Community College, the Tampa City Council and Hillsborough County Commissioners before the renovations can take place.  All improvements are expected to be done in time for Spring Training 2017.

One of the most popular Spring Training destinations in the Grapefruit League; formerly known as “Legends Field” the stadium has been the spring home to the New York Yankees since February 1996.  Designed to look just like the original Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, the stadium was originally expanded in 2007 when the right field deck was added. The stadium was renamed after the famous Yankee owner in March 2008.

George M. Steinbrenner Field is also home to the Five Time Champion Tampa Yankees of the Single-A Advanced Florida State League.