Rays home ‘intimate-inviting’ renderings

Article posted by Coliseum, June 6^th, 2024

Image: Tampa Bay Rays

The Major League Baseball (MLB) team Tampa Bay Rays recently released new renderings and details on the new ballpark and development that would replace their home ground – the Tropicana Field in St Petersburg, Florida (US) – for the 2028 season.

‘wusf.org’ stated that the plan to redevelop the Historic Gas Plant District in St. Petersburg includes 5,000 residential units, 600 affordable/workforce housing units, 1.4 million square feet of office/medical space, and 750 hotel rooms.

The Tampa Bay Rays are an American professional baseball team based in the Tampa Bay area. The Rays compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League East Division.

The 42,735-capacity Tropicana Field is a multipurpose domed stadium located in St. Petersburg, Florida, United States. The stadium has been the ballpark of Major League Baseball’s Tampa Bay Rays since the team’s inaugural season in 1998.

Image: Tampa Bay Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays’ Historic Gas Plant District development plans for St. Petersburg, Florida (US) are intended to create a vibrant neighborhood with a new stadium at its center. The 86-acre project is estimated to cost $6.5 billion.

‘wusf.org’ further stated but the centerpiece would be a new, multipurpose baseball stadium that would be smaller but provide fans with a more up-close experience.

Maintained Matt Silverman, Rays President, “Our baseball park will be the most intimate and inviting in the sport. The park is designed to bring our fans as close to the field as possible, to create a distinctive, compelling game experience.”

The ballpark itself would seat 30,000 fans, with field view from all concourses within the stadium. It would also feature a pavilion design and an open feel with large windows, doorways and terraces.

Image: Tampa Bay Rays

In addition, a front porch draws upon the nostalgia of the district, a “place where the community gathers and a platform where stories are told”, according to plans design firm Populous presented to the St. Petersburg City Council.

Added Zach Allee, Populous Principal Architect, “Designing this next-generation major league ballpark and development together within the heart of a great City is something that has never been done before. The opportunity to do something unique, innovative and authentic for St. Petersburg and the Tampa Bay Rays fans is truly exciting.”

The open feel of the stadium itself is also an effort to make it “fully integrated with the surrounding development and adjacent neighborhoods”, according to the team.

That includes shops, restaurants and other places where people can gather before and after the games, as well as nongame days and a way to attract the non-residents and serve as a tourist destination.

Image: Tampa Bay Rays

Designers also envision the stadium as a multifunction facility “for St. Petersburg and the Tampa Bay region” that can be used throughout the year – and not just baseball. The designs call for field seating and a stage that can be used for concerts, festivals and community events.

The St. Petersburg City Council and the Pinellas County Commission are expected to vote on the ballpark in July.

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