MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred Advocates for Rays' Stadium Deal in St. Petersburg

Manfred meets with local and state officials to address delays in funding approval for the proposed $1.3 billion ballpark.

Rob Manfred met with Pinellas County officials, St. Petersburg's mayor, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to support the Rays' stadium project.
The Rays' proposed $1.3 billion ballpark faces delays due to the county's postponement of a $312.5 million bond approval.
Rays executives have stated that rising construction costs caused by delays threaten the project’s timeline for completion by the 2028 season.
The Pinellas County Commission is set to vote on the bond funding on December 17, which could determine the project's future.
Manfred's meetings did not include Rays representatives, but the team expressed cautious optimism about securing the necessary votes.