Tampa Bay Rays Face Dec. 1 Deadline to Commit to $1.3 Billion Stadium Deal

Pinellas County demands clarity on the team's intentions as delays, cost concerns, and hurricane damage complicate plans.

The Tampa Bay Rays must decide by Dec. 1 whether to proceed with a $1.3 billion stadium plan or terminate the agreement, according to Pinellas County officials.
Hurricane Milton severely damaged Tropicana Field, forcing the Rays to play the 2025 season at Tampa's Steinbrenner Field while repairs are estimated at $55.7 million.
The Rays argue that delays in bond approvals for the project have made a 2028 stadium opening unfeasible and a 2029 opening too costly to absorb alone.
Pinellas County Commission Chair Kathleen Peters refuted the Rays' claims, stating the county acted in good faith and that the team is responsible for any cost overruns.
The stadium deal is part of a larger $6.5 billion redevelopment project in St. Petersburg's Historic Gas Plant District, which includes housing, retail, and cultural spaces.