Pinellas County Commission Chair Kathleen Peters has pressed the Tampa Bay Rays to declare their intentions regarding the $1.3 billion stadium project by December 1, 2024.

In a letter sent Monday to Rays Presidents Brian Auld and Matthew Silverman, Peters called for clarity on whether the team plans to proceed with the agreement amid stalled progress and mounting concerns over funding and hurricane-related damage to Tropicana Field.

“The Rays must either indicate in writing that they intend to move forward under the Agreement as executed or provide a clearer Notice of Termination … by no later than December 1,” Peters wrote.

Stadium Deal in Limbo

The proposed stadium has faced delays after county commissioners postponed a vote to approve bonds for the project. That vote is now set for December 17, leaving the deal’s future uncertain.

READ: Tampa Bay Rays Could Leave St. Pete Despite Future Bond Votes

A November 19 letter from Auld and Silverman claimed that the county’s failure to finalize bonds last month made a 2028 stadium delivery “impossible.” Peters countered, stating the agreement allows required actions to extend as late as March 31, 2025, with flexibility for unforeseen delays.

Peters also dismissed claims from the Rays about escalating costs for a 2029 stadium, emphasizing the team’s obligation to cover overruns.

Tropicana Field Repairs

Further complicating the issue, Tropicana Field sustained over $55 million in damage from Hurricane Milton, including a torn roof. St. Petersburg City Council recently reversed an earlier vote approving $23 million in repairs, leaving the facility’s future in question.

READ: Tropicana Field Employees Fear the Worst from Tampa Bay Rays Suspended Stadium Deal

Repairs would not be completed until the 2026 season, prompting the Rays to plan their 2025 home games at Steinbrenner Field, the New York Yankees’ spring training site in Tampa.

Calls for Transparency

Peters reiterated the county’s commitment to the agreement, despite setbacks. She urged the Rays to communicate their intentions ahead of the bond vote, which could determine the project’s future.

“If the Rays want out of this agreement, it is your right to terminate the contract,” Peters wrote. “Clear communication about your intentions will be critical to the next steps in this partnership.”

As of now, the Rays have not responded to Peters’ letter.

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(Image credit: Tampa Bay Rays / Hines)