Just when it seemed like the Tampa Bay Rays were close to securing a permanent home, trouble hit. Storm damage and funding issues derailed the team’s $1.3 billion stadium project, leaving fans frustrated and the franchise facing tough decisions.
Rays Fans Left Disappointed as Years of Effort To Secure a New Home Fall Apart
The proposed $1.3 billion stadium project has been scrapped. The decision follows unexpected setbacks, including Hurricane Milton’s severe damage to Tropicana Field in October 2024 and difficulties securing funding.
The stadium was part of a larger $6.5 billion plan to revitalize the Historic Gas Plant District and was set to feature a 30,000-seat, fixed-roof design. While the project initially received city and Pinellas County backing, rising costs and hurricane-related complications derailed progress.
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The damage at Tropicana Field means the Rays are playing their home games at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Fla., during the 2025 season. Fixing Tropicana Field could cost $55.7 million, but a recent evaluation may allow the Rays to get back in time for the 2026 season.
Anxiety over the team’s future in the Tampa Bay area has resulted from the stadium deal failure. Nashville, Tenn., Charlotte, N.C., and Montreal are possible relocation options, but so far, there have been no formal announcements or proceedings.
What’s Next for the Rays?
Rays owner Stuart Sternberg acknowledged the setback: “We pick ourselves up, we dust ourselves off. Obviously, it wasn’t our first attempt, it wasn’t our second or third. We’ve been trying. We’ve got the third-best record in baseball since ’08. We’ve got nine playoff appearances since I’ve been here.”
He reassured fans of the organization’s dedication: “We try to carry ourselves in the best way possible and do what’s best for the organization and the team. So, they should count on us trying to put the best product on the field possible and putting the best fan experience possible. And I know, and I’m confident we’re going to do that.”
Despite speculation about relocation, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has voiced support for keeping the Rays in the area.
“I think the most important point now is that the Rays and Mr. Sternberg have to come up with ‘Go Forward’ plan, what it is they intend to do,” he said on SiriusXM Radio.
“I don’t think it’s realistic to play indefinitely in a repaired [Tropicana Field]. But they’ve got to tell the other clubs and I think they’ve got to tell their fan base that they have a plan for making it work in Tampa Bay,” he added.
The project’s cancellation also casts uncertainty over the $6.5 billion Historic Gas Plant District redevelopment. St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch expressed disappointment but remains hopeful for future opportunities to revitalize the area.