Breaking: St. Petersburg Approves Tampa Bay Rays Ballpark Project

St. Petersburg City Council Approves Redevelopment Project for Tampa Bay Rays

A crucial decision was made by the St. Petersburg City Council on Thursday regarding a major redevelopment project in St. Petersburg , Florida . This decision could potentially lead to the construction of a new ballpark for the Tampa Bay Rays , ensuring the team 's presence in the city for at least the next 30 years . The ambitious .5 billion project aims to revitalize an 86 - acre tract in the city 's downtown area . The transformation plans include the development of a Black history museum , affordable housing , a hotel , green spaces , entertainment venues , and commercial spaces , promising to create thousands of jobs.

The project 's centerpiece is the proposed .3 billion ballpark with 30,000 seats , set to open for the 2028 season . This development would put an end to years of uncertainty surrounding the Rays ' future , including the possibility of the team relocating to Tampa , Nashville , or splitting home games between St. Petersburg and Montreal . The team 's principal owner , Stu Sternberg , expressed a strong desire for the Rays to remain in St. Petersburg , emphasizing the importance of settling the team 's future location through the approval of the project.

The financing plan involves significant investments from the city and Pinellas County , with the city expected to contribute approximately 17.5 million , covering expenses for the ballpark and infrastructure . Pinellas County is set to contribute around 12.5 million specifically for the ballpark costs . The remainder of the project 's funding would come from the Rays and the Hines development company . Despite concerns raised by some council members and organizations opposing the deal , the project seems to have gained momentum with key stakeholders showing support for the redevelopment.

Pinellas County Commission Vote Crucial for Final Approval

The St. Petersburg City Council 's vote , approving 12 binding agreements related to the redevelopment project , has set the stage for the final approval process . The next crucial step involves a vote by the Pinellas County Commission on July 30 to commit 12.5 million in tourist tax dollars towards the construction of the new ballpark . The commission 's approval is essential for the project to move forward , and there is a general indication of support from county officials.

The decision to approve the redevelopment project and the new ballpark has been met with mixed reactions from the public . While proponents anticipate economic growth and the fulfillment of past promises to the city 's Black community , critics have raised concerns about the use of public funds for stadium construction . The project 's potential impact on the community , including job creation , housing , and cultural development , has been a focal point of discussions leading up to the decisive votes by the city council and the county commission.

As the future of the Tampa Bay Rays in St. Petersburg hangs in the balance , the outcome of the upcoming Pinellas County Commission vote will determine the fate of the transformative redevelopment project and the construction of the new Rays ballpark . The decision will not only shape the city 's landscape but also reflect the legacy of Mayor Ken Welch and the collaborative efforts of stakeholders involved in the ambitious initiative.