Tampa Bay Rays: Florida county approves US$1.3B ballpark
Pinellas County Approves Funding for New Tampa Bay Rays Ballpark
After a significant delay, the Pinellas County Commission has finally voted in favor of providing its share of financing for a new $1.3 billion Tampa Bay Rays ballpark. This decision is part of a larger plan to secure the team’s presence in St. Petersburg for another 30 years.
The comprehensive plan, titled “Here To Stay,” was initially approved by the county commission and city officials in St. Petersburg earlier this year. However, the discussions and votes on funding for the project faced delays and challenges.
Earlier this month, the St. Petersburg City Council approved its portion of the bonds required to construct the new 30,000-seat stadium. The county’s vote on Tuesday, with a 5-2 majority, secured bonds that will be funded by tourist taxes, ensuring that funds designated for other purposes, such as hurricane recovery, remain untouched.
As per the agreement, the city and county will collectively cover approximately half of the total project cost, with the Tampa Bay Rays responsible for the remaining expenses, including any potential overages.
Pinellas County Commissioner Chris Latvala expressed his support for the project, citing Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred’s commitment to the Tampa Bay region as a driving factor in his decision to vote in favor of the financing.
The stadium proposal marks the culmination of years of uncertainty regarding the Rays’ future, including speculation about potential relocations to other cities. The agreement ensures the team’s presence in St. Petersburg for the next three decades.
The new ballpark’s construction has faced delays, pushing back its expected completion date to 2029. This delay is anticipated to lead to increased costs, which the Rays have agreed to cover under the terms of the agreement.
In response to the funding gap resulting from the delays, Rays co-president Matt Silverman has expressed willingness to engage in further negotiations with the county and city to address the financial challenges.
The proposed stadium is a central component of a larger revitalization project, the Historic Gas Plant District, aimed at transforming a significant downtown area. The development plans include a Black history museum, affordable housing, entertainment venues, and commercial spaces, promising economic growth and job opportunities.
Pinellas County Commission Chair Kathleen Peters emphasized the broader impact of the project, highlighting the potential for long-term economic benefits and the preservation of low taxes for residents.
Kate Payne, reporting from Tallahassee, is a member of The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative, a program that supports journalists in covering underreported issues in local newsrooms.
