Tropicana Field gets $6.5 dollars from St. Petersburg: Rays to stay in area for 2025 season even if Trop can’t be repaired
MLB and the Rays want to stay close to the fans as new stadium funding might depend on it
The city of St. Petersburg is allocating approximately $6.5 million for the cleanup and protection of Tropicana Field, the Tampa Bay Rays’ stadium, which sustained significant damage due to Hurricane Milton. Concurrently, the status of Pinellas County’s financial support for the proposed baseball, retail, and residential complex, slated for construction adjacent to the current stadium in St. Petersburg’s historic Gas Light district, could be at risk if the team leaves the county.
On Thursday, the St. Petersburg City Council approved two contracts with companies to remove the debris from the ballpark’s roof, replace the damaged turf, and waterproof various sections, including the scoreboard, seating areas, suites, and the press box, as per city records. Lacking a drainage system, the ballpark is at risk of incurring further damage from rain due to the absence of its roof.
Earlier this week, Rant Sports reported that Major League Baseball is seeking a temporary home for the Rays to play the early part of the 2024 regular season, due to necessary repairs at Tropicana Field, which sustained damage from Hurricane Milton. Commissioner Rob Manfred emphasized MLB’s intention to keep the Rays in the Bay Area to stay close to their fan base.
Pinellas County Commissioner Chris Latvala has threatened to postpone funding for the new Rays stadium in the Gas Light District, a project previously agreed upon and approved by the county, city, and the Rays in July. He is contemplating withholding funds for the stadium project if the Rays do not commit to playing their regular season games in Pinellas County for 2025 and potentially beyond.
“One could make the argument that they’re (the Rays) kind of violating the spirit of the agreement that we approved two months ago if they go across the bridge or go to Disney World to play for the next three years,” Latvala said. “If the hurricanes hit three years from now, they would have to play their games in Pinellas County.”
It is worth noting that currently, Latvala remains in the minority among the Pinellas County Commission members who prefer a wait-and-see approach. The current debate hinges on whether the local government should invest millions of dollars to repair Tropicana Field, a stadium slated for demolition in three years.
Should they forget repairing Tropicana Field and build the new site now
Pinellas County faces a challenging decision. They have sanctioned a $6.5 million plan to mend Tropicana Field following the destruction wrought by Hurricane Milton. These repairs will enable the Tampa Bay Rays to keep playing at the venue until the new Rays-Hines Stadium opens in 2028.
Conversely, the Historic Gas Plant District Redevelopment Plan is quite ambitious, encompassing the construction of a new stadium for the Rays with an estimated cost of approximately $6.5 billion. The ultimate decision to either proceed with the repairs or concentrate exclusively on the new development remains undecided and will probably hinge on multiple factors such as financial implications and community feedback.
If the Rays must stay in Pinellas County to keep the stadium and funding process moving forward here are their options
The premier choice in Pinellas County is Al Lang Field in downtown St. Petersburg, situated on the picturesque bay with access to numerous restaurants and cafes, making it ideal for fans. It was also once the preferred site to replace Tropicana Field. Al Lang Field currently hosts the Tampa Bay Rowdies soccer team. Conveniently, the Rays’ owners also own the Rowdies, which would simplify schedule coordination. Although Al Lang Field sustained hurricane damage and requires repairs, these could encompass the essential upgrades mandated by MLB and the Players Association. To accommodate the Rays, seating capacity would need to increase from 7,500 to approximately 12,000 or more.
TD Ballpark in Dunedin, the spring training home of the Blue Jays, presents an option for the Rays. The park played a significant role for the Blue Jays during COVID-19 in 2020, serving as their spring training ground before becoming their regular-season home for May and June, until they relocated to Buffalo to be closer to their fan base. With a seating capacity of only 8,500, it’s a fantastic venue to enjoy a game and could be a suitable landing spot for the Rays.
Another location in Pinellas County is BayCare Ballpark, the winter home of the Phillies. Similar to its counterpart in North Pinellas County, BayCare Ballpark accommodates around 8,500 fans, offers excellent seating and sightlines, and is the nearest ballpark to Tropicana Field. However, the traffic on U.S. 19 is notoriously challenging, which can detract from the ballpark’s appeal and make driving problematic
The Rays could play at Al Lang or another local site till the new stadium is built
If Tropicana Field is considered irreparable, the Rays might play the next three regular seasons at Al Lang Field or a local Spring Training site in Pinellas County. They would need to meet Major League Baseball standards, which include turf approved by the Players Association and enhanced lighting for broadcast requirements. These upgrades cannot be initiated until a site is selected; hence Commissioner Manfred has set Christmas as the deadline for the decision.
Should the Rays need to relocate to a Bay Area minor league park for the next three years, Major League Baseball has relevant experience, as it is currently assisting the Athletics. The team is scheduled to play in a minor league park in Sacramento, California, for the next three years while their new stadium is being built in Las Vegas. MLB is working with the team and the city to install a new grass surface for safer playing conditions in the summer heat. Additionally, temporary stands are being constructed to expand the seating capacity from about 11,000 to 15,000 fans, and new lighting is being installed to meet network broadcast standards.
