After a long and arduous process, the Tampa Bay Rays have finally received the green light from local governments to proceed with their plans to construct a new government-subsidized ballpark in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Pinellas County Commission voted 5-to-2 in favor of committing $312.5 million from its tourist tax fund towards the $1.37 billion stadium project. This crucial vote now allows the franchise and its development partners to move forward with their construction plans, aiming to have the stadium ready for Opening Day 2028.
St. Petersburg City Council members also approved a $6.7 billion redevelopment proposal in the Historic Gas Plant District, which will be centered around the new stadium. The city is contributing $287.5 million towards the stadium and additional funds for surrounding infrastructure. In addition, St. Petersburg is selling approximately 65 acres of public land at a discounted price to help facilitate the deal. To finance its portion, the city plans to issue bonds. On the other hand, the Rays themselves will be contributing $700 million towards the stadium’s construction and will bear the responsibility for any cost overruns, including those associated with the surrounding redevelopment.
The new stadium is set to feature a pavilion-style roof and walls that can open based on weather conditions. This modern design aims to provide fans with an enhanced viewing experience while also catering to the unpredictable Florida weather. Currently, the Rays play at Tropicana Field, where their lease is set to expire in 2027. Despite being successful on the field, with multiple playoff appearances, the team has struggled to attract fans, ranking among the lowest in attendance in the league.
The Rays have been advocating for a new stadium for over a decade, with previous plans to split their seasons between Florida and Montreal ultimately falling through. With the rejection of that proposal in 2022, the team is now focused on solidifying its presence in the Tampa Bay region. The approval of the new stadium project signifies a significant milestone for the franchise, as it secures a future in St. Petersburg and ensures that fans will have a state-of-the-art venue to enjoy the game for years to come.