The Pinellas County Commission is scheduled to vote on its share of financing for a new $1.3 billion Tampa Bay Rays ballpark after two delays. The overall plan, approved by the county commission and city of St. Petersburg officials, had faced postponements in funding votes. The St. Petersburg City Council recently approved its portion of the bonds required for the 30,000-seat ballpark construction. The funding would come from tourist taxes designated for specific uses.
The proposed agreement involves the city and county contributing approximately half of the total cost, with the Rays responsible for the remainder, including potential cost overruns. The commitment from the city and county aims to keep the Rays in St. Petersburg for another 30 years, following uncertainties about the team's future, including potential relocations to Tampa, Nashville, or a split between St. Petersburg and Montreal.
Due to hurricane damage to Tropicana Field, the Rays will play this season in Tampa at Steinbrenner Field. The new stadium is part of a larger $6.5 billion revitalization project called the Historic Gas Plant District, which includes plans for a Black history museum, affordable housing, entertainment venues, and commercial spaces. Supporters highlight the potential economic impact, job creation, and community development associated with the project.
Pinellas County Commission Chair emphasized the significance of the investment beyond the stadium, emphasizing the potential returns that could help maintain low taxes. The project is seen as a transformative initiative for the city's downtown area, with promises of cultural enrichment, economic growth, and employment opportunities.
