The City of St. Petersburg is considering tearing down Al Lang Stadium—the iconic downtown home of the Tampa Bay Rowdies—to make way for a new amphitheater and a vibrant, reimagined waterfront park.

On Thursday morning, the city’s Economic and Workforce Development Committee reviewed conceptual designs and early plans for what’s being called the Center of the Arts District. The proposed redevelopment spans from 1st Avenue South to 5th Avenue South, encompassing the Mahaffey Theater, the Salvador Dalí Museum, Al Lang Stadium, and the site of the Saturday Morning Market.

Presented by architecture firm ASD | SKY, the designs envision expanded green space around the Dalí Museum and Mahaffey Theater, a 1,100-space parking garage, a 60,000-square-foot conference center, and 35,000 square feet of new retail—part of a long-term vision to revitalize the area and improve access to the city’s cultural hubs.

Though still in the early stages, the project would require voter approval via public referendum before moving forward. If approved, construction would unfold in phases beginning as early as this year, with a total estimated cost of $289.2 million.

The plan also supports future growth for the Dalí Museum, a new facility for the Florida Orchestra, and renovations to the Mahaffey Theater.

Phase 1 (2025–2030)

Estimated Cost: $161.7 million

• Construction of a 1,100-space parking garage with 20,000 square feet of retail
  
• Demolition of the current garage
  
• A new public plaza and site improvements
  
• 60,000-square-foot St. Petersburg Conference Center
  
• Expansion of the Dalí Museum by 45,000–50,000 square feet
  
• Upgrades to Mahaffey Theater, including a new visitor drop-off and 10,000–16,000 square feet of new space
  

Phase 2 (2028–2038)

Estimated Cost: $127.5 million

• Demolition of Al Lang Stadium
  
• Construction of an additional 400-space garage with 15,000 square feet of retail
  
• A new 30,000-square-foot Florida Orchestra facility
  
• A 3,000–4,000-seat amphitheater
  
• A new waterfront park on the former stadium site
  

Across its 13-year timeline, the project is expected to support over 2,200 construction jobs and generate $444.9 million in economic impact—about $34 million annually.

A preliminary economic study found the Al Lang site is underused and holds potential as a cornerstone of the public waterfront. However, the proposal to demolish the stadium sparked concern among city leaders.

Several council members voiced support for preserving the Rowdies’ presence downtown. Council Member Copley Gerdes proposed retrofitting the stadium into an amphitheater rather than tearing it down.

“I can’t imagine not having the Rowdies,” said Council Chair Gina Driscoll. “I know we’re talking about extending [their lease], but the amphitheater as proposed has limitations.”

City staff confirmed discussions with the Rowdies, who are owned by the Tampa Bay Rays, are ongoing and that the team is aware of the long-range redevelopment vision. Al Lang Stadium, which seats 7,500 and opened in 1923, has been a fixture in St. Pete’s sports history—from baseball to professional soccer since 2011.

The planned conference center—a long-desired civic addition—was previously envisioned in the Gas Plant District redevelopment, which remains in limbo.

The committee also discussed incorporating local public art into the park and possibly relocating the Saturday Morning Market there. The next step is community feedback from stakeholders such as neighborhood groups and the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce. ASD | SKY will refine its designs based on public input.

If greenlit, construction must be carefully coordinated with downtown events like the Firestone Grand Prix, which uses nearby streets and the Albert Whitted Airport area. The annual race attracts nearly 200,000 visitors and generates over $60 million in local benefits.

Care will also be taken to avoid disruptions to nearby museums during construction.

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(Image credit: ASD/SKY Architecture)

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