City considers demolishing Rowdies' Al Lang Stadium for envisioned waterfront redevelopment
/A rendering of the second phase of the new center of the arts district calling for the redevelopment of al lang stadium | asd | sky architecture
The City of St. Petersburg is exploring the possibility of demolishing Al Lang Stadium—home of the professional soccer team Tampa Bay Rowdies—and replacing it with an amphitheater and a highly activated waterfront park.
On Thursday morning, the St. Petersburg Economic and Workforce Development Committee reviewed exploratory plans and conceptual renderings for the proposed Center for the Arts District.
The district, located just south of the St. Pete Pier, would stretch from 1st Avenue South to 5th Avenue South and include the Mahaffey Theater, Salvador Dalí Museum, Al Lang Stadium, and the site of the Saturday Morning Market.
Architecture firm ASD | SKY presented the conceptual designs, which reflect a long-term vision for the area. Key components include expanded green space near the Dalí Museum and Mahaffey Theater, a new parking garage with at least 1,100 spaces, a 60,000-square-foot conference center, and 35,000 square feet of new retail space, among other features.
Originally conceived years ago, the overarching goal of the plan is to revitalize the area, improve accessibility, and enhance the experience of the city’s cultural institutions.
The site as it exists today | city of st. petersburg documents
The vision is still very preliminary and subject to review by community stakeholders. Additionally, any proposal would need to be approved by the citizens of St. Pete via public referendum.
If approved, construction would occur in phases beginning this year. The total estimated cost is $289.2 million.
The plan also considers the Dalí Museum’s expansion, the Florida Orchestra’s future facility, and renovations to the Mahaffey Theater.
Phase 1
Timeline: 2025–2030
Estimated Cost: $161.7 million
Construction of a 1,100-space garage with 20,000 square feet of ground-level retail
Demolition of the existing garage
New plaza and site improvements
St. Petersburg Conference Center (60,000 square feet)
Dalí Museum expansion (45,000–50,000 square feet)
Mahaffey Theater improvements, including visitor drop-off area and 10,000–16,000 square feet of new space
Phase 2
Timeline: 2028–2038
Estimated Cost: $127.5 million
Demolition of Al Lang Stadium and site grading
Construction of an additional 400-space garage with 15,000 square feet of retail
New Florida Orchestra facility (30,000 square feet)
Construction of a 3,000–4,000-seat amphitheater with supporting facilities
Creation of a new park at the former stadium site and additional site enhancements
Over the full development timline (2025–2038), construction is projected to support more than 2,200 jobs and generate over $444.9 million in economic output—about $34 million annually.
A preliminary economic impact report found the Al Lang Stadium site is underutilized and could play a significant role in shaping the city’s public waterfront. However, some city officials expressed concerns about demolishing the stadium and leaving the Rowdies without a permanent home.
Demolishing Al Lang Stadium didn’t go over well with City Council members.
Council Member Copley Gerdes, a supporter of Al Lang Stadium, suggested retrofitting the stadium into an amphitheater instead of demolishing it.
“I can’t imagine not having the Rowdies,” said City Council Chair Gina Driscoll. “I know we are talking about extending [their lease agreement] and we are limited with the amphitheater in how its suggested here.”
City staff confirmed that discussions with the Rowdies are ongoing and that the team is aware of the long-term plans.
Al lang stadium in downtown st. pete along the waterfront | city of st. petersburg documents
The 7,500-seat venue has been an iconic landmark in the city. Debuting in 1923, the city’s first baseball game was held there and from 1947, it functioned as a professional stadium able to hold major games. Since 2011, soccer team it has been the homebase of the Rowdies, which is owned by the Tampa Bay Rays.
The proposed convention center—long considered a missing civic amenity—was also part of the reimagined Gas Plant District vision, the future of which remains uncertain.
Committee members also discussed featuring work by local artists in the proposed public park and that it could serve as an alternate location for the Saturday Morning Market.
Next, the plans will be presented to community stakeholders, including neighborhood groups and organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce. ASD | SKY will then update city staff based on public feedback.
If the project moves forward, the city will need to coordinate with the annual Firestone Grand Prix to accommodate the race’s track and paddock. The annual event, which winds through downtown and includes part of the Albert Whitted Airport, generates over $60 million in benefits and draws nearly 200,000 visitors.
Additionally, any construction in the Center for the Arts District must avoid disrupting nearby museums.
