St. Petersburg Approves Bonds for New Rays Stadium, County Vote Looms

Pinellas County Commission's December 17 vote will determine the future of the $1.3 billion stadium project and the Rays' long-term presence in Tampa Bay.

The St. Petersburg City Council narrowly approved $287.5 million in bonds for a new stadium and $142 million for infrastructure in the Historic Gas Plant District.
Pinellas County must now decide whether to contribute $312.5 million in tourist tax-funded bonds, with a vote scheduled for December 17.
The Rays, displaced from Tropicana Field due to Hurricane Milton, plan to play at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa through at least 2025.
The team has expressed concerns about rising costs and delays, warning that the current deal may be financially unsustainable without additional funding solutions.
The broader $6.5 billion redevelopment project aims to address past displacement in the Gas Plant District, adding significance to the stadium's potential approval.