St. Petersburg City Council Votes On Rays' Ballpark Redevelopment

Tampa Bay Rays owner Stuart Sternberg, left, Hines Senior Managing Director Michael Harrison, Rays team president Matt Silverman and Rays President Brian Auld look on as speakers address the audience

A pivotal city council vote took place in St. Petersburg, Florida, regarding a significant redevelopment project that could lead to the construction of a new ballpark for the Tampa Bay Rays, ensuring the team's presence for the next three decades. The proposed $6.5 billion project aims to revamp an 86-acre area in the city's downtown, with plans for a Black history museum, affordable housing, a hotel, green spaces, entertainment venues, and commercial spaces, promising the creation of numerous job opportunities.

The site, currently occupied by the Rays' Tropicana Field and parking lots, was once a vibrant Black community displaced due to the construction of the ballpark and a highway. St. Petersburg's Mayor emphasizes the importance of rectifying past injustices in what is now referred to as the Historic Gas Plant District.

The centerpiece of the project is a planned $1.3 billion ballpark with a seating capacity of 30,000, set to open in time for the 2028 season. This development resolves years of uncertainty surrounding the Rays' future, including potential relocations to Tampa, Nashville, or even a split between St. Petersburg and Montreal, a proposal rejected by Major League Baseball.

$6.5B project includes Black history museum, affordable housing, and job opportunities.

St. Petersburg votes on redevelopment project for new Rays ballpark.

Site was once a vibrant Black community displaced for Tropicana Field.

Mayor emphasizes rectifying past injustices in Historic Gas Plant District.

Proposed $1.3B ballpark to open in 2028, resolving Rays' future uncertainty.

City to invest $417.5M, Pinellas County $312.5M for ballpark costs.

Opposition raises concerns about substantial public funding for the project.

The financing strategy involves the city investing approximately $417.5 million, with $287.5 million allocated for the ballpark and $130 million for infrastructure improvements. Pinellas County is expected to contribute around $312.5 million towards the ballpark costs, funded by a bed tax primarily paid by visitors and earmarked for tourism and economic development.

Despite some opposition, the project has garnered support from the city's business and political leaders. Critics raise concerns about the substantial public funding involved, with groups like 'No Home Run' and Americans for Prosperity questioning the economic benefits of publicly financed sports stadiums.

Nonetheless, the project is gaining momentum, with former residents and descendants of the Gas Plant District eagerly anticipating the revitalization efforts and preservation of their community's history.