Tampa Bay Rays Stadium Project Receives Final Approval

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ST. PETERSBURG, FL — In a significant victory for the Tampa Bay Rays, the Pinellas County Commission has granted final approval for a new stadium project, paving the way for the redevelopment of the Tropicana Field site. The decision comes after a thorough public hearing and debate over the allocation of funds.

The commission's approval, achieved with a 5-2 vote, commits $312.5 million in tourist tax dollars toward the $600 million stadium project. This agreement ensures that the Rays will remain in St. Petersburg and Pinellas County for at least the next 30 years. The decision marks a major step forward for the Rays and the local community, with plans for a new ballpark in downtown St. Pete.

The approval process was not without its challenges. Commissioners deliberated extensively on the financial implications of the project. Supporters of the plan highlighted the economic development opportunities and the long-term benefits for the county. One commissioner emphasized that the project would honor the Black residents displaced by the original Tropicana Field development, while another cited the substantial economic impact as a critical factor in their support. A third commissioner framed the vote as a decision for future generations, including her grandchildren.

Conversely, opponents of the project expressed concerns about the financial burden on taxpayers. One commissioner opposed the subsidy for a billionaire's stadium, while another questioned the wisdom of financing such significant debt. Despite these concerns, the majority of commissioners concluded that the benefits outweighed the drawbacks.

The county's investment in the stadium will be funded through tourist taxes, which cannot be used for typical budgetary expenses. This decision follows the St. Petersburg City Council's approval of their portion of the funding, amounting to $287.5 million.

The new stadium will feature a 30,000-seat capacity with a design that includes manicured stands and large windows overlooking the outfield. The stadium will be part of a larger $6 billion redevelopment plan for the Gas Plant District, a project that St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch believes will significantly benefit the community.

Before the project can move forward, commissioners must take one final vote on the allocation of Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) funds, expected to be around $108 million. These funds will be used for infrastructure improvements around the Tropicana Field site.

Today's decision marks a pivotal moment for the Tampa Bay Rays and the city of St. Petersburg, promising a new era of baseball and economic revitalization in downtown St. Pete.