Future of Tampa Bay Rays Stadium Deal in Jeopardy After Financing Delays

City and county disagreements, hurricane damage, and financial concerns cast uncertainty on plans for a new $1.3 billion ballpark in St. Petersburg.

The St. Petersburg City Council and Pinellas County Commission have delayed votes on issuing bonds critical to financing the Rays' proposed $1.3 billion stadium and surrounding redevelopment project.
The Rays' leadership stated that the delays have made the original plan financially unviable, citing increased construction costs from the postponed timeline and storm-related challenges.
Hurricane Milton caused extensive damage to Tropicana Field, raising doubts about its usability beyond 2025 and complicating the team’s short-term and long-term plans in the region.
Mayor Ken Welch, who has championed the stadium project, insists there is still a path forward without additional city funding, though details remain unclear.
Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred reiterated the league’s commitment to keeping the Rays in Tampa Bay but emphasized the need for a long-term solution before the 2026 season.