Rays' Stadium Dreams Hang in the Balance as Votes Loom

While the majority of the attention regarding the Rays’ stadium plans is focused on the 2025 season following Hurricane Milton’s destruction of Tropicana Field, the long-term future of the club is also under scrutiny. Today, the St. Petersburg City Council is set to vote on approving bonds to finance a new stadium for the Rays.

Last year, a plan was in place to construct a new stadium near the Trop by the 2028 season. However, the aftermath of Hurricane Milton and local officials' frustration over the club’s decision to play its home games in Hillsborough County next year have caused delays in bond approval.

Even if today’s vote passes, it won’t guarantee the stadium plans will proceed as intended. The delays have led the Rays to suggest that the stadium may not be ready by 2028, casting doubt on the deal. Additionally, the Pinellas County Commission has also delayed approving their bonds for the project.

The recent elections have altered the commission's makeup, removing key votes in favor of the stadium deal. This makes getting approval from the county a larger obstacle than from the city of St. Petersburg.