Stadium Deal Uncertainty: Rays’ Future in St. Petersburg in Jeopardy

Months ago, St. Petersburg and Pinellas County officials celebrated a deal with the Tampa Bay Rays for a new downtown ballpark. They proclaimed that the team would stay in the area, and any remaining approvals for financing were merely formalities.

However, challenges have emerged. Hurricane Milton damaged Tropicana Field, the Rays decided to play next season in Tampa, and there were election disruptions along with conflicts between the team and local officials.

On Tuesday, the Rays announced that they could no longer complete the stadium by the 2028 season and could not proceed with the plan due to delayed financing votes. The County Commission had postponed a decision originally set for October, pushing it to December 17.

The City Council, which previously voted 5-3 in favor of the project in July, is now set to finalize its bond approvals for the stadium and development in the Historic Gas Plant District. They will also vote on funding repairs for Tropicana Field.

Compared to the county, discussions at the city level are less contentious. City leaders have not publicly clashed with the Rays recently. Both the City Council and County Commission recently elected new members—one a skeptic of the stadium deal and the other backed by anti-stadium groups. The new council members will not take office until January, leaving the current council to make the upcoming decisions.

Key city leaders include:

Copley Gerdes: Gerdes has consistently supported the stadium project and voted “yes” in July. He is also the nephew of City Administrator Rob Gerdes, who has negotiated for the city.

Brandi Gabbard: Gabbard voted “yes” in July and has asked for changes that include community resources like childcare facilities. She continues to support the project.

Lisset Hanewicz: Hanewicz has publicly criticized the project and voted against it, raising concerns about potential loopholes.

Deborah Figgs-Sanders: Figgs-Sanders has championed the stadium project, focusing on community benefits. She has received strong support in her recent election.

Gina Driscoll: Driscoll raised concerns about affordable housing commitments but voted “yes” in July and has not indicated any change in her stance.

John Muhammad: Muhammad voted against the project, fearing it would burden taxpayers. It is unclear if he will attend the next council meeting due to a scheduling conflict.

Richie Floyd: Floyd also opposed the deal, citing concerns over public subsidies and affordable housing. He expressed skepticism about the Rays’ commitment to financial requirements.

As the City Council prepares for its vote, the future of the new stadium hangs in the balance amid ongoing debates and financial uncertainties.