After a 16-year quest for a new home, the Tampa Bay Rays have reached an agreement with St. Petersburg and Pinellas County to construct a new stadium. The ballpark is planned to be operational by the 2028 season, coinciding with the end of the team's lease at Tropicana Field.
Funding and Approvals
The Rays' owner, Stuart Sternberg, recently indicated that the team would contribute "half or more" of the estimated $1.2 billion construction cost. While the agreement still awaits the green light from the city council and county commission, no obstacles are anticipated.
Stadium Features and Amenities
The new facility is designed to accommodate approximately 30,000 spectators. It will feature a fixed dome with artificial turf and state-of-the-art amenities for both fans and players. The dome will also include windows and operable walls to allow for natural light and airflow during favorable weather conditions.
Surrounding Development
The stadium is just one component of a broader revitalization plan for the area. The project will introduce 4,800 residential units, commercial and retail spaces, a concert venue, and additional public spaces and parking areas. Dubbed a "ballpark village," this development aims to transform the surrounding community, similar to initiatives by the Atlanta Braves and St. Louis Cardinals.
Location and Community Impact
The new stadium will be located in downtown St. Petersburg, close to the existing Tropicana Field. Despite previous concerns about the location affecting attendance, recent area developments have shifted perspectives. "The city and region have fundamentally changed their ability to support our team," said Rays president Brian Auld.
Long-Term Commitment to the Area
The agreement effectively dispels rumors about the Rays relocating or splitting their home games between Tampa Bay and Montreal. Both the team's owner and St. Petersburg's mayor, Ken Welch, expressed enthusiasm about the Rays' long-term presence in the community.
The new stadium marks a significant milestone for the Rays, who joined MLB as an expansion team in 1998, and for the city of St. Petersburg, which has been home to Tropicana Field since its opening in 1990.
The Tampa Bay Rays are scheduled to conclude their residency at Tropicana Field in 2027, making way for the new stadium's anticipated opening the following year.
