During the mid-week series between the Tampa Bay Rays and Chicago Cubs, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred met with players from both teams at Tropicana Field. Following the discussions, Marc Topkin, a reporter for the Tampa Bay Times and Rays beat, shared that Manfred expressed optimism about finalizing the new stadium deal.
The commissioner was referring to the planned ballpark in St. Petersburg’s Historic Gas Plant District, expected to cost approximately $1.3 billion. Updated renderings of the stadium were unveiled by the team in late May. The St. Petersburg City Council recently held a preliminary development vote on the Gas Plant District plans, with a final vote scheduled for July.
Welcome to a whole new game day experience. The design for the ballpark takes cues from a pavilion, with the front porch opening up to a main plaza and community gathering space within the #HistoricGasPlantDistrict.
Learn more: https://t.co/CeIeP9mD31 pic.twitter.com/XkNCv1HGKU
— The Historic Gas Plant District (@HistGasPlantSTP) May 30, 2024
After these developments, Manfred was queried about the Rays’ new ballpark plans and responded positively, stating, “I feel confident that they’re going to be able to get it done … We believe the Tampa Bay region is crucial to baseball … Reaching a solid agreement on the stadium’s future is our top priority.”
The deal now appears highly likely to proceed, easing significant pressure off the Tampa Bay Rays organization. The uncertainty surrounding the team’s future in the Tampa Bay area has been a long-standing issue. With both the St. Petersburg City Council and MLB commissioner showing confidence, it seems professional baseball will indeed continue on Florida’s gulf coast.
For Rays fans and the organization, this development is a major relief, allowing them to focus on delivering competitive baseball without the specter of relocation.
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