The Tampa Bay Rays have announced a halt to their stadium project following delays in securing funding from Pinellas County commissioners.

In a letter from Rays presidents Brian Auld and Matt Silverman, the team stated that the county’s failure to finalize bonds last month eliminated the possibility of completing the stadium by 2028. They added that a 2029 delivery would increase costs beyond what the team could afford without additional financial support.

Suspension of the Project

The letter revealed that architects, builders, and consultants involved in the project—encompassing both the new ballpark and the Historic Gas Plant District redevelopment—have stopped work.

“There were dozens of people who were about to relocate to St. Petersburg along with their families. There were large contracts with long lead times,” Auld and Silverman wrote.

The Rays noted they have already spent more than $50 million on the project, an investment now jeopardized by the county’s failure to meet its prior commitments.

Pinellas County Vote Delayed

The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners was scheduled to vote Tuesday on finalizing the bonds and approving changes to local tourism taxes to fund the county’s portion of the deal. However, this vote was delayed last month and has faced criticism.

Some commissioners expressed frustration with the Rays, citing a lack of communication about plans for the 2025 season. The announcement that the team will play at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa next season further fueled discontent.

READ: Rays to Play 2025 Home Games at Tampa’s Steinbrenner Field

Commission Chair Kathleen Peters commented that she would have preferred the team remain in Pinellas County to retain tourism revenue.

Concerns About the Deal

Commissioner-elect Vince Nowicki, who was sworn in just before the meeting, voiced strong opposition to the stadium plan. He suggested the funds could be better used to address other local needs, such as repairing beaches.

“I think it really needs to go back to the city of St. Pete and be renegotiated. I always thought it was a terrible deal from day one. It really hurts the residents and the taxpayers of the city of St. Pete,” Nowicki said.

The Rays’ Perspective

Auld and Silverman refuted claims of inadequate communication, stating they had been in regular contact with commissioners and were not warned about potential delays to the bond resolution.

They also addressed why the team chose Steinbrenner Field for the 2025 season, noting that the Pinellas stadium was deemed unsuitable to host regular-season games by Opening Day.

“Although weather will be a challenge, we are very fortunate to be able to play the 2025 season at George M. Steinbrenner Field and not be forced to leave the Tampa Bay region,” they wrote.

Next Steps

The Rays’ leaders concluded their letter by expressing willingness to collaborate with new partners to find a path forward: “We are ready to work on a new solution with any and all willing partners.”

This setback leaves the future of the stadium and the team’s long-term plans in the Tampa Bay region uncertain.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Google, & X

(Image credit: Tampa Bay Rays rendition)