New Rays Stadium Gets Final Approval From Pinellas Commission: Reports

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — The Pinellas County Commission delivered Tuesday the final approval needed to move forward the construction of a new Tampa Bay Rays stadium and the redevelopment of the surrounding Historic Gas Plant District in St. Petersburg, according to multiple reports.

The commissioner voted 5-2 to dedicate about $312.5 million in bed tax revenue for construction of the new ballpark, the Business Observer reported.

The decision comes on the heels of the St. Petersburg City Council’s July 18 5-3 vote approving a development deal with the Rays for the district.

• Also Read: Tampa Bay Rays Stadium Deal Approved By St. Pete City Council: Reports

The development deal calls for a $287.5 million commitment by the city for construction of a new stadium and $142 million for infrastructure improvements.

The Rays, working with Texas-based developers Hines, were chosen last year to redevelop 86 acres in the district, including Tropicana Field, the team’s current stadium. The team plans to have the new stadium completed in time for opening day of the 2028 season.

The full redevelopment of the neighborhood, a $1.3 billion project, will span more than 8 million square feet, including more than 5,000 residential units, 600 affordable/workforce housing units on site and another 650 units elsewhere in the city, 1.4 million square feet of office/medical space, and 750 hotel rooms.

The stadium itself will have a capacity of about 30,000 and boast a three-deck design with various seating types, including premium clubs and suits, flexible viewing areas, decks, and social gathering spaces.

Though commissioners approved the financial commitment, not all were on board with the plan, according to the Tampa Bay Business Journal.

"When all is said and done, this will be a $1 billion subsidy to a billionaire," Commissioner Chris Latvala said. "I'm not willing to put my name on that."