With stadium deal in place, Tampa Bay Rays secure a future in St. Pete

While approvals are still needed, the deal for a new Tampa Bay Rays stadium means the team can play of for a generation or more without an eye on the door.

By Jim Stinson, Louis Llovio
| 5:00 a.m. September 25, 2023

A rendering of how the Hines/Rays teams would redevelop the 86-acre Tropicana Field site in downtown St. Petersburg.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

Bottom line

Key takeaway: After years of uncertainty, the Tampa Rays, the city of St. Petersburg and Pinellas County have reached a deal that will keep the team in the city for at least the next 30 years and restores a historic district razed to build the current ballpark.

Core challenge: While the deal has been announced, local government bodies and the public have yet to see the details and, given the contentious issue of using government money to subsidize a sports team, it would not be surprising to see significant push back from activists and some politicians.

What’s next: Team, city and county leaders will present the details of the deal to elected officials later this year and a vote — or votes — on the details are expected to happen next spring. If all goes well, construction will begin in late 2024.