The future of the Tampa Bay Rays in downtown St. Petersburg remains uncertain as tensions rise over financing for a new stadium at the Tropicana Field site. A stalemate between the team and Pinellas County has left the project in limbo, raising the question: could the site be redeveloped without the Rays playing there?

The Current Standoff

The Rays have yet to back out of their proposed deal, maintaining that they’ve met their obligations. Meanwhile, the team is waiting for Pinellas County commissioners to either approve bond financing for the stadium or withdraw from the agreement entirely.

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Bill Sutton, a sports business expert and former NBA executive, commented on the impasse, calling it a classic game of brinkmanship, when speaking with WSUF. “This looked like a done deal, but two hurricanes and one election later, the situation has changed dramatically,” Sutton noted. “If the Rays explore other options, there will certainly be a market for them elsewhere.”

Sutton also questioned the financial wisdom of spending $56 million on Tropicana Field repairs only to demolish it later, calling it “probably not a good business decision.”

The Land Without the Stadium

One unique aspect of the agreement is the Rays’ control over the prime real estate surrounding Tropicana Field. Sutton explained that the land could still be desirable for redevelopment, even without a stadium. However, the absence of a sports venue might impact its value and long-term appeal. “The stadium was supposed to anchor the redevelopment. Without it, the site’s potential impact on St. Petersburg’s future becomes a big question mark,” he said.

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Alternative Options for the Rays

If financing stalls or falls apart entirely, the Rays may consider relocating to another city. Sutton identified Nashville, Charlotte, and Portland as strong contenders. “Nashville, in particular, could offer the team a sound option with potentially better terms than what they’re seeing in Tampa-St. Pete,” he suggested. However, Sutton emphasized that relocation is just a possibility, not an inevitability.

Public Perception of Redevelopment Without the Rays

Should the Rays proceed with developing the land without a stadium, public support might waver. Sutton noted, “People might feel uneasy about the Rays managing the project if they’re no longer in the market.” However, he argued that the ultimate success of any redevelopment would depend on its ability to generate jobs, housing, and economic growth. “If it’s a great idea and benefits the community, any initial concerns could fade over time.”

What’s Next?

With the Rays still waiting for clarity on financing and relocation rumors swirling, the future of Tropicana Field—and the team—remains uncertain. Sutton summed up the situation as an unfortunate confluence of events, from political shifts to unforeseen natural disasters. “There’s a lot of angst on both sides. It’s not about who’s right or wrong—it’s about finding a viable path forward,” he said.

For now, both sides remain locked in a high-stakes game of negotiation, leaving the future of baseball—and redevelopment—in St. Petersburg hanging in the balance.

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(Image credit: Hines/Tampa Bay Rays)