St. Petersburg Approves New Rays Stadium Development

The St. Petersburg City Council approved a $1.3 billion stadium and mixed-use development plan for the Tampa Bay Rays, ending years of uncertainty and relocation rumors. The deal includes a new domed stadium near Tropicana Field, with the club contributing $700 million and the public sector $600 million. The project, part of a $6.5 billion redevelopment, aims to revitalize the Historic Gas Plant District, providing a Black history museum, affordable housing, and thousands of jobs. The 30,000-seat ballpark is set to open in 2028, ensuring the Rays stay in St. Petersburg for at least 30 years, following prior controversial proposals like splitting games with Montreal, which the club abandoned.