Tampa Bay Rays have now lost another stadium as they won't be building a new one
Photo credit: Usa Today
On Thursday, it was announced from the Tampa Bay Rays ownership that they will not proceed with the development of a $1.3 billion baseball stadium in Saint Petersburg FL.
Stuart Sternberg, the majority owner of the rays explained to the media that they will be not moving forward with this project as the owners will need to repair the extensive damage done to Tropicana Field after the roof was ripped off by Hurricane Milton in October 2024.
Sternberg remains committed to Tampa Bay for baseball
"After careful deliberation, we have concluded we cannot move forward with the new ballpark and development project at this moment," Sternberg said in a statement. "A series of events beginning in October that no one could have anticipated led to this difficult decision.
"Our commitment to the vitality and success of the Rays organization is unwavering. We continue to focus on finding a ballpark solution that serves the best interests of our region, Major League Baseball, and our organization." Stuart Sternberg
"Our commitment to the vitality and success of the Rays organization is unwavering. We continue to focus on finding a ballpark solution that serves the best interests of our region, Major League Baseball, and our organization." Stuart Sternberg
Major League Baseball is also making a statement revealing that the league will attempt to find a permanent home within the Tampa Bay region as the Rays have three more years left on their lease with Tropicana Field.
With plans now halted, ownership can focus on repairing the field and the roof as the stadium had become unplayable for this upcoming season.
"Major League Baseball remains committed to finding a permanent home for the club in the Tampa Bay region for their fans and the local community," MLB said in a statement. "Commissioner [Rob] Manfred understands the disappointment of the St. Petersburg community from today's announcement, but he will continue to work with elected officials, community leaders, and Rays officials to secure the club's future in the Tampa Bay region." MLB
Local governments want plan to move forward
Local governments had until March 31st to show that they would be able to put up the $700 million that was needed for their end of the financing.
Local governments had decided to sell bonds to help pay for their end but this does not include any overrun costs which could drive up the cost even higher.
Tampa Bay Rays principal owner Stuart Sternberg announced that the Rays will not be moving forward with development plans for a new stadium in St. Petersburg. The organization is focused on getting Tropicana Field ready for play in 2026.
It's been well noted by Major League Baseball and pundits throughout the league that the Tampa Bay region has been one of the worst areas in baseball to attract fans as they had averaged 16,515 fans in 81 home games last season.
The team will be using the New York Yankees spring training site to serve as their home field in Tampa Tropicana Field continues to be restored.
It's safe to say that there will be many more twists and turns in this story as it unfolds with the rays continuously under a cloud of uncertainty.
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MARS 14 | 728 ANSWERS Tampa Bay Rays have now lost another stadium as they won't be building a new one Do you think the Tampa Bay Rays will remain in Tampa? | ||
| Yes | 213 | 29.3 % |
| No | 515 | 70.7 % |
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