The Tampa Bay Rays have decided to withdraw from their plans to build a new $1.3 billion ballpark next to Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. This decision comes in the wake of Hurricane Milton and subsequent financing delays, which have significantly increased the potential costs of the project.
The decision was announced on Thursday after careful consideration by the Rays’ principal owner, Stuart Sternberg. He cited a series of events, including the severe damage inflicted by Hurricane Milton, as pivotal in reaching this conclusion. Sternberg stated, “After careful deliberation, we have concluded we cannot move forward with the new ballpark and development project at this moment.”
As a result of the damage sustained at Tropicana Field, the Rays will temporarily relocate to play their home games at the New York Yankees’ spring training facility, Steinbrenner Field, which seats 11,000 spectators. Meanwhile, repairs are planned for Tropicana Field, including a new roof, aiming for a return by the 2026 season.
In light of these developments, Major League Baseball (MLB) remains committed to finding a long-term solution for the Rays within the Tampa Bay region. Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed understanding of the local community’s disappointment but reiterated his dedication to working with officials and stakeholders to secure the team’s future in the area.
St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch, who has been a strong advocate for keeping the Rays in the city under the “Here To Stay” initiative, acknowledged the setback but noted the decision was not unexpected. Welch indicated a willingness to explore partnerships with potential new owners who are committed to the community’s priorities.
The Rays are contracted to play in their current stadium for three more seasons following repairs. However, the broader $6.5 billion redevelopment of the Historic Gas Plant District, set to include a new stadium as a key feature, now faces uncertainty. This ambitious project aimed to transform downtown St. Petersburg with a Black history museum, affordable housing, and other community benefits.
The Rays had initially faced a deadline of March 31 to decide on the new ballpark project, with city and county governments ready to cover approximately half of the stadium’s cost. However, delays in the final financing plan, compounded by the hurricane’s impact, pushed costs beyond the team’s financial reach.
The Tampa Bay Rays’ withdrawal from the new ballpark project underscores the financial and logistical challenges posed by unforeseen natural occurrences and economic factors. While the decision marks a significant shift in the team’s future plans, efforts continue to ensure the Rays remain a part of the Tampa Bay community.
