News Summary
St. Petersburg is set for a transformative redevelopment with a $6.8 billion proposal aimed at revitalizing the area around Tropicana Field. The plan, which supports the Tampa Bay Rays’ continued presence until at least 2028, includes a flexible approach for the future of the stadium and surrounding developments. The project anticipates an economic impact of $28 billion over 30 years and is expected to improve local housing and infrastructure, starting with an initial phase in 2026. City officials are actively working to ensure the future of sports teams in the area amid ongoing stadium repairs.
St. Petersburg is poised for significant redevelopment as a new $6.8 billion proposal aims to reimagine Tropicana Field, creating a flexible scenario that will keep the Tampa Bay Rays in the city through at least 2028. The local development team is prepared to accommodate the Rays for an extended stay, with possibilities of them playing at the current stadium until after the 2033 baseball season.
The urgency for a lease extension stems from the realization that a new ownership group would require years to secure a new site, finalize a stadium deal, and complete construction. The proposal is backed by a partnership of ARK Investment Management, Ellison Development, and Horus Construction, and is designed to unfold in four progressive phases. The third phase of this redevelopment, following the eventual demolition of Tropicana Field, is slated to occur from 2033 to 2040.
St. Petersburg Council Chair Copley Gerdes has expressed support for the plan, highlighting the flexibility it offers in various scenarios, including the allocation of approximately 13-14 acres for a potential new stadium while allowing full-scale redevelopment to advance concurrently. The redevelopment proposal also includes elements from earlier concepts that had been criticized for not sufficiently incorporating a ballpark, although it doesn’t exclusively hinge on a stadium-centered approach.
Additionally, Mayor Ken Welch is currently reviewing the details of the proposal, especially following a prior tumultuous period with former Rays owner Stuart Sternberg. The newly formed ownership group is set to introduce itself at a press conference at Steinbrenner Field, where the Rays are temporarily based while ongoing repairs are made to Tropicana Field.
The vision for redevelopment extends beyond just accommodating the Rays. The project aims to transform the Historic Gas Plant District into a thriving area, with forecasts estimating an economic impact of $28 billion over the next 30 years, exceeding previous estimates by $8 billion. Key components of the project include the establishment of an academic and research cluster, an innovation campus, the Woodson African American Museum, an indoor music hall, an outdoor amphitheater, and a hotel boasting 1,543 rooms.
The initial phase of the redevelopment, estimated to cost $343 million, is set to begin in 2026 and will focus on improving affordable housing options and enhancing local streetscapes. Importantly, construction in tandem with repairs to Tropicana Field will not disrupt parking availability for stadium visitors. The subsequent phase, valued at $2.42 billion, is scheduled to roll out from 2027 to 2034, which aligns with Tropicana Field’s continued use for baseball.
In the meantime, discussions have intensified regarding the future of the Rays amid rumors of potential relocations, with the new ownership group expressing a preference to keep the team in the Tampa Bay area long-term. City officials face uncertainty regarding the prospects for not only the Rays but also for the Rowdies soccer team within St. Petersburg.
As the city navigates these complex decisions, significant repairs to Tropicana Field remain a priority. The costs are expected to surpass $55 million due to damage caused by Hurricane Milton. Recently, $5.2 million was approved specifically for electrical and lighting repairs. City leaders are focused on maintaining Tropicana Field’s operations through the 2028 MLB season, with plans having been previously adjusted due to hurricane recovery efforts. Crews have begun necessary repairs, including the installation of a new roof expected to be completed by December 2025, followed by turf installation and extensive interior renovations set to finish by April 2026.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- St. Pete Catalyst
- The Stadium Business
- Fox 13 News
- WTSP
- Crows Nest St. Pete
- Wikipedia: St. Petersburg, Florida
- Google Search: Tropicana Field development
- Google Scholar: Tropicana Field redevelopment
- Encyclopedia Britannica: St. Petersburg
- Google News: Tropicana Field St. Petersburg
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