News Summary
The St. Petersburg City Council voted unanimously to end the stadium deal with the Tampa Bay Rays, concluding plans for a new ballpark at the Gas Plant site. This decision follows significant damage to Tropicana Field from Hurricane Milton. The city now focuses on redevelopment opportunities in the area while navigating mixed public reactions and the potential sale of the Rays. The situation poses implications for local sports and commerce.
St. Petersburg – The St. Petersburg City Council has voted unanimously to terminate the stadium deal with the Tampa Bay Rays, effectively ending efforts to build a new ballpark at the old Gas Plant site, the historical location intended for Tropicana Field. This decision comes as the Rays have announced they will not proceed with the development following significant damage to Tropicana Field caused by Hurricane Milton in 2024, which destroyed the stadium’s roof.
According to the existing lease agreement, the city holds the responsibility for maintaining Tropicana Field in good condition until the lease expires in 2028. This includes addressing the necessary repairs, with a guaranteed maximum expenditure of $5.26 million allocated for sports lighting and electrical system repairs. The city anticipates that roof repairs will be completed by December 2025, with the overall project finalized by April 2026, aligning with the Rays’ opening day.
Blue platforms have already been set up at Tropicana Field for roof installation, and ground-penetrating radar is currently being used to ensure the safe placement of cranes for the repair work. Additionally, the city council has approved license agreements that give the Rays access to four parcels of city-owned land for operational purposes such as parking and storage.
City officials expressed disappointment regarding the Rays’ decision but highlighted the importance of refocusing on the city’s overall development goals. The plan is to develop portions of the Historic Gas Plant District, emphasizing housing, the Woodson Museum, and workforce development initiatives. The development rights previously held by the Rays since 1995 have now reverted back to the city, paving the way for new development plans.
The termination of the stadium deal signals a significant reset for redevelopment efforts in the Gas Plant District, as the city shifts its focus to explore alternative proposals, which may include a convention center. Many residents of St. Petersburg have expressed mixed feelings about the termination of the deal, viewing it as either a necessary step toward progress or a lamentable loss of potential economic benefits associated with hosting baseball games. Business owners in particular are concerned about the impact of this decision on local commerce.
The city’s ongoing discussions also include considerations around potential sale talks for the Tampa Bay Rays, which could have implications for the team’s future location and operations. This evolving situation surrounding the Rays is likely to affect other local sports teams, such as the Tampa Bay Rowdies, as the city navigates its redevelopment strategy.
Overall, the unanimous vote to terminate the agreement marks a pivotal moment in St. Petersburg’s plans for the Gas Plant District, fostering new opportunities for development while reflecting the challenges faced in the sports and entertainment industry within the region.
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St. Petersburg Terminates Deal with Rays for New Ballpark
St. Petersburg Initiates Repairs on Tropicana Field After Hurricane Damage
St. Petersburg Plans Redevelopment of Historic Gas Plant District
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Additional Resources
- ABC Action News: City of St. Pete officially cuts ties with Rays stadium deal
- Wikipedia: Tampa Bay Rays
- Fox13 News: St. Pete Council vote dissolving failed Rays stadium deal
- Google Search: St. Petersburg Rays stadium deal
- My Suncoast: City St. Petersburg formally kills plan for new Rays ballpark
- Google Scholar: Rays stadium economic impact
- WTSP: Rays stadium deal and St. Petersburg team sale discussions
- Encyclopedia Britannica: St. Petersburg development
- Fox13 News Video: Coverage of Rays stadium deal termination
- Google News: Rays Tropicana Field renovations
