TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Rays pulled out a win in their new home for the season at Steinbrenner Field, but the ball club’s future in Tampa Bay remains uncertain.

Outdoor baseball is a first for the Rays. The sold-out crowd didn’t let the drama of stadium deals keep them from the team. But fans made time to chant about it.

“Sell the team” chants were heard throughout Friday’s home opener.

“Honestly, I’m going to keep it clean, I’ve got owner fatigue. Owner fatigue. We need a new owner,” said one Rays fan tailgating outside Raymond James Stadium.

Many fans parked at Ray Jay and walked across Dale Mabry to get to the baseball field. One man dressed as a Rays player wearing a cape held a sign that read “Welcome to Tampicana Field.” The temporary home sparked interest for some fans.

“Now that they’re playing over here, I have a little bit more interest. They’re a little bit closer to where I live here in Hillsborough County. So we’re sad about the stadium across the Bay not working out but we’re happy that they’re here,” said Matt Watkins, a Rays fan.

Eagle 8 flew over what should be the Rays home, Tropicana Field, still damaged from the hurricanes. The deadline for the agreement between the City of St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, and the Rays on the new stadium ends March 31.

Owner Stuart Sternberg himself said he’s not lost on everything that’s happened.

“We have open ears to anything. We do it from the part of the organization and the Rays. And we’re going to do what’s best for baseball and for this franchise. And I’m open to talking to anybody about anything,” Sternberg said.

Sternberg also said Hillsborough County is a potential place for the team. Pinellas County Commissioner Chris Latvala posted on X, saying in part the owner “just walked away from $700 million in public funds,” and that his “next move will be one he has tried before – relocation.”

One fan who lives near the Trop traveled for the game.

“We’re trying it out for the first day, we’ll see how it goes. It should be nice. It’s not too bad,” said John Mankowski. “I think Stu’s doing a good job and we should give him a stadium.”

But others said they want a new owner to step up and get funding for the stadium.

“I think a new ownership team needs to step up and get the funding, get a new park, whether it’s in Hillsborough County in Tampa, or it’s across the bay in Pinellas, in St. Pete,” Watkins said. “The Rays deserve to be here. Been here since 1998. They are part of our community. It’s time to get a stadium deal done. And if Stu can’t do it, somebody else needs to.”

Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred has said he wants the team to stay in Tampa Bay regardless of where they play. The Rays have another game Saturday night.