The Tampa Bay Rays are set to receive funding for a new ballpark project in the Historic Gas Plant District, despite initial resistance from the team. The St. Petersburg City Council approved bonds for the $1.3 billion project, with the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners set to vote on their portion on Dec. 17. The Rays will need to cover the remaining costs, although concerns have been raised about potential financial burdens exceeding the original agreement.
Council member Brandi Gabbard suggested that the vote was a strategic move to challenge the Rays to fulfill their financial obligations, potentially forcing them to seek additional funding. The future of Tropicana Field, which requires $55.7 million in repairs to host games in 2026, remains uncertain after the City Council reversed its decision to allocate funds for the project. In the meantime, the Rays have arranged to play their 2025 home games at Tampa’s Steinbrenner Field due to weather concerns affecting Tropicana Field’s suitability for play.