The Tampa Bay Rays are on the verge of securing a new, long-term home in the heart of St. Petersburg as they reached a momentous agreement with the city and Pinellas County to construct a state-of-the-art ballpark. This historic development, part of the Tropicana Field redevelopment project within the 86-acre Historic Gas Plant District, marks a significant milestone in the Rays’ quest for a new stadium, reports MLB.com. While public approval is still pending over the next few months, it appears increasingly likely that the Rays will continue their legacy in downtown St. Petersburg, where they have called home since their inaugural season in 1998.
Expressing his excitement, team president Brian Auld stated, “This is a big, meaningful and really positive development.” Auld also acknowledged the responsibility to execute the ambitious vision entrusted to them by the mayor of St. Petersburg and county commissioners. The Rays’ proposal outlines a modern ballpark with an estimated capacity of around 30,000 seats, expandable to 35,000 for special events. The stadium will feature three seating levels, a fixed roof, an artificial turf field, operable walls, and an innovative pavilion design. The Rays will fund more than half of the ballpark’s $1.3 billion cost, with the city and county contributing approximately $600 million, solidifying their commitment to the project.
The broader Historic Gas Plant District development initiative is projected to exceed a total investment of $6 billion. Key components include the ballpark, two event parking garages, and approximately 15-20 acres of land, owned by Pinellas County and subleased to the Rays through a 30-year agreement with options for an extension to 40 years. The Rays’ existing 30-year usage agreement at Tropicana Field expires after the 2027 season. Pending approval and successful implementation, construction of the new ballpark is set to commence in late 2024 and conclude by late 2027, with the Rays making their debut on Opening Day 2028. This achievement aligns with their long-standing goal of preserving the Rays’ presence in the Tampa Bay area for generations to come.
Principal owner Stuart Sternberg expressed his enthusiasm, noting that this project “will be a transformative project for the Rays, St. Petersburg, and Pinellas County.” After serving as Tampa Bay’s Major League team for 25 years, the Rays are poised to continue their legacy for decades and generations, fostering a bright future for baseball enthusiasts in the region.
