The Tampa Bay Rays have formally informed the city of St. Petersburg that they are backing a $55.7-million plan for Tropicana Field repairs, after massive damage caused by Hurricane Milton, in time for the 2026 MLB season. (more…)
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Tampa Bay Rays ballpark deals collapse, raising issues for 2026
Imagine owning a sports franchise worth $1.25 billion. You’ve worked for years on a new ballpark plan, finally proposing redevelopment everyone likes. One hurricane and one election later, and suddenly your current home is trashed and the future home is in doubt. Welcome to the joys of owning the Tampa Bay Rays. (more…)
Hurricane not only tears off Trop roof, but tears up Tampa Bays Rays ballpark planning
Hurricane Milton not only tore the roof off Tropicana Field: It upended all planning for a new Tampa Bay Rays ballpark, potentially killing a St. Pete facility, and forcing the team to play the 2025 season at the minor-league Steinbrenner Field. (more…)
Prepping for 2024: American League East ballparks
As we approach the 2024 MLB season, we’re taking a different approach to our ballpark coverage. We begin with American League East ballparks, as Natty Boh returns to Oriole Park, Fenway Park adds Irish nachos, the Yankees add a slew of offerings from celebrity chefs, and Tropicana Field sees a revamped turf field. (more…)
Rays make triumphant return to Port Charlotte
The baseball gods were smiling on the patient Port Charlotte spring-training fans Saturday, as the Tampa Bay Rays launched their 2024 season at Charlotte Sports Park after spending last spring at Disney and the Trop. (more…)
Only one bidder for new Rays ballpark design gig: Populous
After Dan Meis of MEIS architects dropped out of the running to land the contract for a new Rays ballpark design contract, the evaluation committee will move forward on talks with the only remaining bidders: Populous. (more…)
Rays unveil St. Petersburg ballpark plan, ask for swift consideration from the city
The Tampa Bay Rays unveiled a financing plan for a new St. Petersburg ballpark to replace Tropicana Field, with the facility serving as the centerpiece of a $6-billion development. (more…)
New Rays ballpark: $1.3B, $600 million public contribution
The Tampa Bay Rays and developer Hines announced a deal with the City of St. Petersburg and Pinellas County for a 86-acre redevelopment of the Historic Gas Plant site, complete with a $1.3-billion new Rays ballpark that commits the team to the market for 30 years. (more…)
Rays to unveil new St. Petersburg ballpark plan
The Tampa Bay Rays are set to announce a new St. Petersburg ballpark plan, with the team proposing a new 30,000-capacity facility on the current Tropicana Field site, which would then be developed. (more…)
Rays’ Sternberg: “Open to selling the team”
As we approach the final stretch of planning, principal owner Stuart Sternberg says that his group is committing to picking up half the cost of a new Tampa Bay Rays ballpark and looking at raising outside money from new investors–but he’s now “open to selling the team.” (more…)
Rays ballpark talks heating up across Tampa Bay
New Tampa Bay Rays ballpark talks with both Hillsborough County and St. Petersburg appear to be intensifying, with both sides apparently buying into the concepts floated by the MLB team. (more…)
Pro soccer could be part of new Tampa ballpark area plan
Lost in all the hubbub over a new St. Petersburg ballpark for the Tampa Bay Rays is that the team continues to meet with Tampa and Hillsborough County officials over a new Tampa ballpark–and pro soccer may now be part of the mix. (more…)
Sternberg: Yes, I’m committed to a new Tampa Bay Rays ballpark
Some speculation from The Athletic cast doubt on Stuart Sternberg’s commitment to the Tampa Bay market and a new Tampa Bay Rays ballpark, but Sternberg made it clear the team is not for sale. (more…)