Rays Announce Ballpark Plans
Florida Pro Baseball follows the Tampa Bay Rays, a Major League Baseball (MLB) team that competes in the American League (AL) East division during the MLB regular season.
On September 19, 2023, the Tampa Bay Rays, St. Petersburg, and Pinellas County agreed to build a new ballpark on the site of Tropicana Field. This 86-acre development is in the Historic Gas Plant District.
Currently, there’s a public approval process underway, with votes from the St. Petersburg City Council and Pinellas County Commission scheduled for early next year. This marks a pivotal step for the Rays’ new ballpark plans.
The proposed stadium has 30,000 seats across three tiers, a permanent roof, and an artificial playing surface. It offers various seating options, including suites, terraces, and gathering spaces.
Additionally, the design includes operable partitions and windows to provide unobstructed views, unlike Tropicana Field. The existing usage agreement for Tropicana Field ends after the 2027 season. If approved, construction starts late in 2024 and finishes late in 2027.
As a result, the Rays aim to play their first game at the new ballpark on Opening Day 2028. This move will secure their future in the Tampa Bay region.
Tropicana Field Photos
MLB links
Rays Announce Ballpark Agreement