‘A high priority’: Approval still needed for Rays’ new ballpark
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) —The Tampa Bay Rays have played at the Trop since the team formed in 1998.
But even with competitive rosters, it’s no secret the team has struggled to draw fans out to the field.
The stadium is widely regarded as one of the most outdated facilities in the MLB. But that could all change within the next four years.
Tampa Bay Rays unveil plans for $1.3 billion stadium in St. Pete
“We can’t wait to get started once city council and county commission weigh it and give it their stamp of approval,” Tampa Bay Rays President Matt Silverman said at St. Pete’s 2024 State of the Economy presentation Wednesday.
In September, the Rays unveiled plans to build a $1.3 billion stadium in St. Pete.
Ever since, we’ve seen “here to stay” signs and shirts across the city.
“The Historic Gas Plant project is the largest project in the history of the city,” Silverman added. “Upwards of 8 million-square-feet of development when all its said and done.”
He laid out the numbers Wednesday, showing the new ballpark will hold 30,000 fans for Rays games.
“Apartments, hotels, office buildings, healthcare facilities, parks, all within a walkable 20 minute neighborhood,” he added.
Pinellas County commissioners still need to decide on whether to spend over $300 million in tourist tax dollars on the proposed new stadium.
Commissioner Dave Eggers sent a statement to 8 On Your Side Wednesday saying, “I am excited about the new season ahead.”
“The 2024 baseball season is here and there is much optimism about activities and results on the field, the structured deal between St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, and the Tampa Bay Rays off the field,” he added. “I am hopeful there is a path forward with respect to finding a deal acceptable to me and on behalf of our residents.”
“However, there is more to learn about the proposed terms and conditions and assumptions of risks most of which should come to light during the St. Pete council meetings next month and our own workshops in the months ahead,” Eggers continued.
Commissioner Charlie Justice agreed in part, saying “I am supportive of the county being a partner with the City of St. Petersburg in funding a new stadium for the Rays.”
“There are questions that remain, and I look forward to working with County Administration, the city, and the team to continue our conversation and hopefully get to an agreement that everyone is comfortable with,” he continued. “The county’s portion will only include tourist development taxes which are significantly limited in their expenditure purpose by state law.”
Commissioner Kathleen Peters told 8 On Your Side Wednesday, “As long as the contract has not changed based on my last update I would vote in favor for the county’s portion of the stadium.”
St. Pete to reach major milestones in redevelopment of Historic Gas Plant district, mayor says
St. Pete City Council will also need to vote on whether to approve the deal for both the new stadium and the surrounding redevelopment. Not all of the council members are convinced.
City Council Member Gina Driscoll said, “I’m optimistic that we will come to an agreement that I can wholeheartedly support.”
City Council Member Lisset Hanewicz disagreed, saying “I’ve been one of the few council members who have expressed concerns about the deal and pushed for transparency.”
“Where I stand today is that the devil is in the details, and we need to take a thorough look at not only the details of the final agreements—which we have not received yet—but the total cost and risks associated with the deal,” she continued.
As city and county leaders debate final plans, St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch remains confident.
“I’m very confident it will happen,” he said. “Council has to do their due diligence, and we’re working now to get that set of agreements to them.”
He said the plan is in full swing and baseball fans need to be patient.
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“We’ve placed a high priority since day one on getting this done in a timely manner, but as you know, we had to go through a process.,” he explained. “This has been 40 years.”
“Folks have to keep it in perspective,” he continued. “Don’t panic, we’re nearing the completion of this, and we want to make sure it’s done right.
“There’s no deadline [as if] we’re going to fall off a cliff,” Welch added. “We’re in the best position we’ve been in, and I’m confident we’re going to get it done.”
His final message?
“Everybody should breathe,” he said. “We got great partners; we’re all trying to drive to the same place, answer all the questions [and] make sure everything’s done correctly.”
“I’m confident we’re going to get it done,” the mayor concluded.
The Tampa Bay Rays are set to take on the Toronto Blue Jays in their sold-out home opener Thursday at 4:10 p.m.
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