In a pivotal moment for the future of professional baseball in the Tampa Bay area, the Pinellas County Commission has voted to approve its share of financing for a new $1.3 billion ballpark for the Tampa Bay Rays. The 5-2 vote in favor of allocating tourist tax revenue bonds towards the stadium project helps solidify the Rays’ long-term commitment to remain in St. Petersburg for another 30 years.
The commission’s decision comes on the heels of the St. Petersburg City Council’s approval earlier this month of its portion of the bonds necessary to construct the state-of-the-art, 30,000-seat facility. With both the city and county now on board, the Rays are poised to uphold their end of the bargain, which includes covering any cost overruns associated with the ambitious project.
A New Era for the Rays
The approved financing plan, dubbed “Here To Stay,” marks a significant milestone in securing the Rays’ future in the region after years of speculation about potential relocation. Rumors had swirled about the team possibly moving across the bay to Tampa, or even out of state to cities like Nashville, Tennessee. The Rays had also previously floated the unconventional idea of splitting home games between St. Petersburg and Montreal, a proposal that was ultimately rejected by Major League Baseball.
Commissioner Cites MLB’s Commitment
The vote was influenced in part by MLB commissioner Rob Manfred’s recent meetings with hesitant county commissioners, in which he emphasized the importance of the project and the league’s strong desire to keep a team in the Tampa Bay area. Pinellas County Commissioner Chris Latvala cited Manfred’s commitment as a key factor in his decision to support the funding, stating, “Rob Manfred is the reason I am voting yes on this today.”
Overcoming Hurdles and Delays
The path to securing the ballpark’s financing has been far from smooth. The county commission’s vote was originally scheduled to take place nearly two months ago but was postponed as commissioners grappled with the intricacies of the deal. Some expressed skepticism about allocating tourist tax dollars, which are restricted from being used for purposes such as hurricane recovery, towards the stadium project.
The Rays have also acknowledged that the total cost of the new ballpark is likely to increase due to construction delays. The team’s original timeline called for the facility to open in 2028, but that has now been pushed back to 2029 at the earliest. While the Rays are contractually responsible for covering any budget overruns, team co-president Matt Silverman indicated in a statement that further negotiations may be necessary.
“When the county and city wish to engage, we remain ready to solve this funding gap together,” Silverman said following the commission’s vote.
Revitalizing the Community
The new Rays ballpark is the centerpiece of an ambitious $6.5 billion redevelopment initiative known as the Historic Gas Plant District. The project aims to breathe new life into an 86-acre tract of downtown St. Petersburg that was once home to a predominantly Black neighborhood before being displaced by the construction of Tropicana Field and an interstate highway.
Supporters of the redevelopment plan argue that it will bring transformative change to the area, with proposals for a Black history museum, affordable housing, entertainment venues, and expansive office and retail spaces. The project is expected to generate thousands of new jobs and provide a significant economic boost to the region.
“This is much, much bigger than a stadium,” emphasized Pinellas County Commission Chair Kathleen Peters. “It’s about the investment we can make and the return on that investment that can guarantee we can keep our taxes low.”
Temporary Relocation and Uncertain Costs
As the Rays navigate the path forward with their new ballpark, they face the immediate challenge of finding a temporary home for the upcoming season. With Tropicana Field still reeling from the damage inflicted by Hurricane Milton, the team announced that they will play their home games at Steinbrenner Field, the New York Yankees’ spring training facility in Tampa, for the 2025 season.
The full financial implications of the construction delays and temporary relocation remain to be seen, but the Rays maintain that they are fully committed to seeing the project through. With the support of the city, county, and MLB now firmly in place, the team can focus on bringing their vision for a world-class ballpark to fruition while continuing to build a strong on-field product for their dedicated fanbase.
A Brighter Future Ahead
The approval of financing for the Rays’ new ballpark represents a significant step forward for both the franchise and the Tampa Bay region as a whole. By securing the team’s long-term future in St. Petersburg, civic leaders and the Rays organization have demonstrated their commitment to fostering economic growth, creating new opportunities, and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
As the project moves forward and the new ballpark begins to take shape, baseball fans across the Tampa Bay area can look forward to a state-of-the-art facility that will serve as a source of pride and a hub of community engagement for generations to come. The road ahead may present its share of challenges, but with the unwavering support of key stakeholders and a shared vision for the future, the Rays are poised to thrive in their new home for many years to come.
