St. Petersburg city councilors voted unanimously to end negotiations with the Tampa Bay Rays on a new stadium at the Historic Gas Plant site, signaling a fresh start for one of the city’s most high-profile redevelopment projects.

The decision follows the Rays’ announcement that they will no longer pursue the proposed stadium and neighborhood redevelopment deal tied to the Gas Plant site, which once housed a thriving Black community before being razed for Tropicana Field.

The collapse of the stadium plan comes in the wake of damage to the Trop’s roof during Hurricane Milton in 2024. Under the terms of the Rays’ lease, the city is responsible for maintaining the facility through the end of the lease period. Repairs are already underway, with blue platforms installed in preparation for roof construction next month. Ground-penetrating radar has been used to determine safe locations for crane placement.

Despite the setback, city officials remain focused on delivering a new ballpark by Opening Day 2026. However, the timeline remains uncertain due to potential weather-related delays during the upcoming hurricane season.

In a parallel move, the City Council approved license agreements granting the Rays access to four city-owned parcels for parking, storage, and signage. Another resolution set a $5.26 million guaranteed maximum price to repair the stadium’s sports lighting and catwalk electrical systems.

Mayor Ken Welch expressed disappointment in the Rays’ decision but emphasized that the city is committed to moving forward.

“While the Rays’ decision is terribly disappointing, our mission was to adapt and refocus on our primary objective – the progress of our city,” Welch said. “At this moment, the most important step is bringing closure to this agreement so we can move forward with developing the Historic Gas Plant District.”

That development will prioritize affordable housing, support for the planned Woodson African American Museum of Florida, and workforce development initiatives. The city is also collaborating with the county on a feasibility study for a convention center on part of the site.

Welch added that regaining development rights—previously held by the Rays since 1995—marks a pivotal shift. “This puts us in the strongest position to ensure the future development of the Historic Gas Plant District meets the needs of St. Petersburg and honors the promises of equitable development.”

With the new roof expected to be completed by December, crews will then begin installing the field, interior technology, and fan amenities to prepare the Trop for the 2026 season.

Follow the St. Pete-Clearwater Sun on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Google, & X

(Image credit: Mark Wemple)

PIE-Sun.com: local St. Pete-Clearwater news