The new ownership group of the Tampa Bay Rays intends to keep the team playing in St. Petersburg, at least for now, while exploring potential sites around Tampa Bay for a permanent stadium.

On Tuesday morning at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, the team’s new leadership, Managing Partner and Co-Chair Patrick Zalupski, Co-Chair Bill Cosgrove, and Chief Executive Officer Ken Babby, outlined their long-term vision to a room filled with reporters, former team executives, and public officials from both sides of the bay.

“It’s no secret that we need a new, forever home to secure the Rays’ long-term future in Tampa Bay, and delivering upon that objective will be our first priority,” said Zalupski, CEO of Jacksonville-based Dream Finders Homes Inc. “Our goal is to have a new world-class ballpark ready for opening day 2029.”

Under their current lease agreement, the Rays are required to play at Tropicana Field for three more seasons.