Tampa Bay Rays stadium deal is dead

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This is a developing story. We'll give updates on the situation as we learn more.

In a stunning turn of events, the Tampa Bay Rays have abandoned plans to construct a $1.37 billion stadium in downtown St. Petersburg, citing unforeseen challenges stemming from back-to-back hurricanes and delayed negotiations. The decision halts a long-negotiated deal to replace Tropicana Field and redevelop the Historic Gas Plant District, a project once seen as a catalyst for the city's future.

The Rays’ development partner, Hines, will no longer move forward with the ambitious transformation of Tropicana Field’s vast parking lots into a vibrant mixed-use district. That plan aimed to pay homage to the Black community displaced by the original stadium’s construction. While the deal is now off the table, Rays owner Stuart Sternberg left open the possibility of a restructured agreement.

"After careful deliberation, we have concluded we cannot move forward with the new ballpark and development project at this moment," Sternberg said in a statement. "A series of events beginning in October that no one could have anticipated led to this difficult decision.”

Hurricanes Upend Plans

The Rays remained committed to the project through most of 2024, maintaining that a new stadium could anchor the broader $6.7 billion Historic Gas Plant District redevelopment in time for the 2028 season. However, Hurricanes Helene and Milton changed everything. The latter storm, which made landfall in late October, shredded Tropicana Field’s roof and caused over $55 million in damage, further complicating stadium talks.

"As we all recover from the impacts of the hurricanes, we are incredibly grateful for the support from our fans and the wider Tampa Bay community," Sternberg said. "We are especially appreciative of how our corporate partners have stepped up during this challenging time for our organization."

A Missed Deadline

Despite continued efforts to finalize the deal, team leadership informed St. Petersburg and Pinellas County officials Thursday that they would not meet multiple project requirements by the looming March 31 deadline. However, the Rays did not issue a formal termination letter, leaving room for future discussions.

Negotiations and political approvals had already complicated the previously established timeline. But with the 2024 MLB season fast approaching, the organization determined it was best to refocus its immediate efforts elsewhere.

"Opening Day is right around the corner, and we are eager and prepared for what promises to be an exciting and fun season of baseball," Sternberg said. "Thanks to our dedicated staff and players, our fans will experience the game in one of the most intimate settings in modern baseball history."

What’s Next for the Rays?

The decision leaves the Rays’ long-term stadium future uncertain, but for now, the team is staying put at Tropicana Field. City officials are advancing plans to restore the existing ballpark for at least the 2026 season.

"The City of St. Petersburg is currently advancing plans to restore Tropicana Field for the 2026 season," Sternberg said. "We are thankful for their efforts and are excited to return to our home field next spring."

Still, the Rays remain committed to finding a lasting stadium solution.

"Our commitment to the vitality and success of the Rays organization is unwavering," Sternberg said. "We continue to focus on finding a ballpark solution that serves the best interests of our region, Major League Baseball, and our organization."

While the loss of the stadium deal is a significant setback, St. Petersburg officials and fans now wait to see if the Rays can forge a new path forward—whether in Tampa Bay or elsewhere.

Following the announcement from the Rays, in a separate statement, Mayor Ken Welch wrote, “The city intends to honor our current commitment to repair Tropicana Field in accordance with the current use agreement. As for the future of baseball in our city - if in the coming months a new owner, who demonstrates a commitment to honoring their agreements and our community priorities, emerges - we will consider a partnership to keep baseball in St. Pete. But we will not put our city’s progress on hold as we await a collaborative and community-focused baseball partner.”

He added the city will consider a phased approach, accounting for its obligations under the current use agreement, and working with the City Council and the community.