In a narrow 4-3 vote on Thursday, St. Petersburg city councilors approved bonds to help fund a new stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays in Pinellas County. The decision marks a significant step forward in the effort to keep the team in the area but comes amid ongoing disputes and delays.

Key Vote Follows Hurricane Milton Damage

The council convened Thursday to discuss funding for the Rays’ new 30,000-seat domed stadium, part of a broader plan to redevelop the Historic Gas Plant District. The conversation also included addressing the $55 million in damage to Tropicana Field caused by Hurricane Milton in October, which left the stadium’s roof in disrepair.

The Rays’ inability to use Tropicana Field has forced them to seek a temporary home for the 2025 season. The team chose Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, a move that has drawn criticism from some Pinellas County leaders.

Challenges to the Ballpark Deal

The stadium project, initially approved in July, has encountered several roadblocks. Pinellas County had committed $312.5 million toward the development but delayed finalizing the bonds in October. This postponement pushed the projected stadium opening from 2028 to 2029, leading the Rays to express concerns over rising costs.

In a late-November letter, County Commission Chair Kathleen Peters set a December 1 deadline for the Rays to confirm their commitment to the project. The Rays responded by affirming their dedication to staying in the region but accused Pinellas County of failing to meet its obligations.

County Commissioner Chris Latvala called the team’s response “baffling,” noting recent public comments suggesting the deal might be in jeopardy.

St. Pete’s Position

Mayor Ken Welch has been working to salvage the agreement, emphasizing the city’s commitment to the Historic Gas Plant District redevelopment and the broader effort to retain the Rays.

In a statement issued Wednesday, Welch reiterated St. Pete’s readiness to honor its share of the funding and expressed hope for a resolution:

“It’s clear that the City is prepared to honor our part of the new agreements, signed in July, while we continue to wait for clarity from the Rays. I look forward to hearing the City Council’s discussion on Thursday and stand ready to support a clear path forward on this generational opportunity.”

Next Steps

While St. Pete has now approved its portion of the funding, the project remains in limbo as the Rays and Pinellas County work through their differences. With a December 17 deadline for county commissioners to vote on bond approvals, the future of the stadium deal—and the Rays’ long-term presence in the region—remains uncertain.

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(Image credit: Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)