Major League Baseball has announced the final game of the three-game series between the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox will move to Tropicana Field due to a strong storm causing severe weather along the Northeast coast of the United States. The Red Sox will be the home team for this game, which was scheduled to be played at Fenway Park in Boston.
“We’re proud to support our partners across Major League Baseball by hosting the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox at Tropicana Field and helping ensure fans can enjoy this matchup despite the weather challenges in the Northeast,” said Tampa Bay Rays Chief Executive Officer Ken Babby. “When Tropicana Field was damaged, clubs throughout the league stepped up to support our organization during an incredibly challenging time. We’re grateful for that solidarity and are pleased to return the favor by welcoming the Cubs, Red Sox, and their fans to Tropicana Field on Sunday.”
This is believed to be only the sixth time in the history of Major League Baseball that weather concerns have required the relocation of games to a neutral site, with the Rays or Tropicana Field being involved in two of the previous instances. It previously happened Sept. 11-13, 2017 (New York Yankees at Tampa Bay Rays was moved to Citi Field in New York) due to Hurricane Irma; Aug. 29-31, 2017 (Texas Rangers at Houston Astros, three games held at Tropicana Field) due to Hurricane Harvey; Sept. 14-15, 2008 (Chicago Cubs at Houston Astros, two games held at Miller Park in Milwaukee) due to Hurricane Ike; April 10-12, 2007 (Los Angeles Angels at Cleveland Indians, three games at Miller Park) due to snow; and Sept. 13-14, 2004 (Montreal Expos at Florida Marlins, two games at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago) due to Hurricane Ivan.