Rays hold events to thank the community prior to critical city council vote

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — Thursday is a critical vote by the St. Petersburg City Council for the future of the Tampa Bay Rays.

After months of negotiations, city council is set to vote on a multi-billion dollar plan to build a new stadium and develop the land around it.

Team officials held an event to thank the community in advance of the vote.

“I know when this gets done, crossing our fingers, it’s going to be an amazing project,” said Rays principal owner Stu Sternberg.

The Rays are planning to build a 1.3 billion dollar ballpark and develop 86 acres around it. The development around the stadium will include housing, stores, restaurants and a planned African American History Museum.

The local chapter of the NAACP and others say they are now in favor of the plan, after the work the team put in to reach out to them.

“All over the country our history is frequently erased,” said Gwendolyn Reese, president of the African American Heritage Association. “That will not happen here with the redevelopment project. Our stories will be included throughout the redevelopment.”

Wednesday, protestors demonstrated in front of City Hall, and many are expected to speak up during public comment at the city council meeting prior to the vote.

However, Rays management seems to be satisfied the stadium will be built, and the team will stay in St. Petersburg.

“This is going to be the best baseball stadium that exists,” Sternberg said. “It is going to be an amazing, amazing facility.”

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