The new ownership group of the Major League Baseball (MLB) team Tampa Bay Rays intends to keep the team playing in St. Petersburg (Florida, US), at least for now, while exploring potential sites around Tampa Bay for a permanent stadium.
‘ST. PETE RISING’ stated that recently at the Rays temporary home field – the George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa (Florida, US) – the team’s new leadership, Managing Partner and Co-Chair Patrick Zalupski, Co-Chair Bill Cosgrove and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ken Babby, outlined their long-term vision to a room filled with the reporters, the former team executives and the public officials from both sides of the Bay.
The Tampa Bay Rays are an American professional baseball team based in Tampa, Florida (US). The Rays compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League East Division.
The George M. Steinbrenner Field, formerly known as the Legends Field, is a baseball stadium located in Tampa, Florida (US). The ballpark was built in 1996 and seats 11,026 people with an addition in right field built in 2007. It serves as the temporary abode of the Tampa Bay Rays.
‘ST. PETE RISING’ quoted Patrick Zalupski as stating, “It’s no secret that we need a new, forever home to secure the Rays’ long-term future in Tampa Bay and delivering upon that objective will be our first priority. Our goal is to have a new world-class ballpark ready for Opening Day 2029.”
Under their current lease agreement the Rays are required to play at the Tropicana Field for three more seasons.
The 25,025-capacity Tropicana Field (also known as ‘The Trop’) is a domed multipurpose stadium located in St. Petersburg, Florida, United States.
The team plans to return to ‘The Trop’ in April 2026 pending completion of a $60 million renovation project that includes roof reconstruction and interior repairs caused by hurricane damage.
Added Zalupski, “We need a new ballpark. I don’t think that’s disputed by anyone. We want to build a sustainable championship team. We’re confident we can be successful in Tampa Bay.”
The search for a new stadium site is underway.
Commented Ken Babby, “We don’t want to pigeonhole ourselves to one location or site.”
He acknowledged the “fatigue” among fans over the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the team’s future but expressed optimism about turning the page.
According to Zalupski, an ideal site would require at least 100 acres of developable land to accommodate not only a new ballpark but also a large-scale, mixed-use district. He cited The Battery (mixed-use development) in Atlanta, US, home of the MLB team Atlanta Braves’ 41,108-capacity Truist Park, as a model for what the Rays hope to create.
Added Zalupski, “The Atlanta Braves have been incredibly generous with their time and resources to let us look at The Battery. We think The Battery is the gold standard for what we want to build here in Tampa Bay.”
He described the vision as a “best-in-class, mixed-use development” anchored by a domed stadium with a non-retractable roof that could host 150 to 180 events per year including the concerts, the festivals and other major gatherings.
While the team explores long-term options the ownership group emphasized that the Tropicana Field will receive substantial upgrades to improve the fan experience.
Said Babby, “We promise the fan experience will be better than ever – with a new roof, new videoboard, a new sound system, and other improvements including some funded directly by the Rays.”
The renovations, coupled with the leadership’s commitment to remain in St. Petersburg “for now”, signal stability during the transition period.
Zalupski thanked the former Owner Stu Sternberg for “building a franchise that is known for its innovation and success” and for trusting the new group “to carry that legacy forward”.
Sternberg, who owned the Rays for 18 years, retains a minority stake in the organization.
Concluded Zalupski, “It’s about stewardship. We recognize the deep responsibility we now carry – to deliver a winning team on the field, as Rays fans are accustomed to and deserve, and an unforgettable experience for our fans. That’s a commitment we make with humility, pride and great anticipation.”
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