The Tampa Bay Rays will not proceed with plans for a new $1.3 billion stadium in St. Petersburg, a decision announced by owner Stuart Sternberg on March 18, 2025. Originally intended for completion by the 2028 season at a site near Tropicana Field, this unexpected turn has left local officials and fans disheartened, questioning the future of the city’s baseball presence.
“After careful deliberation, we have concluded we cannot move forward with the new ballpark and development project at this moment,” Sternberg stated. The decision stems from a series of unforeseen events beginning in October 2024, which ultimately swayed the Rays' long-term plans.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, expressing her dissatisfaction over the abrupt withdrawal, took to her Facebook page, stating, “I am disappointed to hear that the Rays don't intend to follow through with stadium plans in St. Petersburg. The goal has always been to keep the team in Tampa Bay.” She reassured fans and stakeholders that the city remains open to dialogue, but emphasized that any future proposal must adequately serve the interests of taxpayers.
The Rays have called Tropicana Field home since their inception in 1998, but the facility is currently undergoing extensive renovations after Hurricane Milton inflicted significant damage last October, tearing off large sections of the roof. Sternberg mentioned that the organization plans to restore Tropicana Field for the 2026 season while simultaneously addressing its longstanding reputation as one of the worst venues in Major League Baseball (MLB).
Last season, the Rays averaged around 16,500 fans per game, with an unspectacular 80-82 record, contributing to a failure to reach the playoffs. However, since 2008, the team has made the postseason nine times, including two World Series appearances. The inconsistent attendance has once again raised legitimate concerns about the Rays' viability in St. Petersburg.
“The Trop is currently undergoing renovations after Hurricane Milton ripped off large sections of its roof, and we must provide MLB-quality conditions for the team in the interim,” stated Richie Floyd, a prominent member of the St. Petersburg City Council. He expressed considerable disappointment over the city’s financial commitment to the previous stadium deal while emphasizing the emerging opportunities now that the deal has been scrapped.
Despite calls for a new stadium promising 30 years of baseball in the area, Floyd highlighted the city’s current financial position, stating, “The city itself was $250 million in the red,” indicating a detrimental balance between what the city would have received versus what it would have had to output in subsidies.
In essence, the previous agreement—which directed nearly $600 million from city and county coffers into the project—now feels like a burden on the city’s budget. According to Floyd, the situation has many community members feeling betrayed and frustrated. “They had been sending smoke signals for months,” he noted, reflecting on the warning signals that the Rays were considering backing out of the deal.
Following the decision to abandon the stadium project, the Rays are left without a permanent home for future seasons, pushing them to play at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, the New York Yankees’ spring training base. Unfortunately, with a capacity of just 11,000, it stands to be the smallest ballpark in MLB this season.
Despite the turmoil, the future may still bring opportunities for St. Petersburg. “We’ll have to find a way to build a new roof and make repairs for the remaining three years under our agreement with the Rays,” said Floyd, with estimates for repairs exceeding $50 million. However, he added a note of optimism by also mentioning potential for community projects that could benefit from redirected funds.
Meanwhile, discussions are swirling around the idea of upgrading Tropicana Field for the long term, including proposals where both St. Petersburg and Pinellas County contribute significantly to keep the Rays engaged in the area for another decade. Still, such talks are met with skepticism. As Floyd expressed, “What they’re proposing now is worse than the deal they just turned down,” fundamentally questioning the feasibility and trust level with the current ownership.
As the dust settles, city officials have recognized the need to pivot towards alternative development for the site surrounding Tropicana Field that might not involve baseball. Town hall discussions indicate that the community is largely open to exploring diverse avenues that could foster economic growth, making the area more attractive and beneficial for local residents.
Floyd emphasized the potential for parks, recreational centers, museums, and housing developments that could replace the massive subsidy initially earmarked for the stadium. “This situation presents an opportunity for growth that goes beyond merely a baseball stadium,” he stated optimistically.
Ultimately, with the prospect of a brighter future within their grasp, St. Petersburg’s leadership seems cautiously optimistic about redirecting public funds towards long-term benefits not only for their city but also for the community as a whole. As the negotiating calendar resumes, they hope to reshape the city’s economic landscape independent of the Rays’ uniform.
