The Tampa Bay Rays are expected to announce Tuesday that they have reached an agreement for a new stadium in St. Petersburg, Florida, according to a report by the Tampa Bay Times.
The 30,000-seat domed stadium structure, which is expected to open in 2028 and is estimated to cost more than $1. 2 billion, is expected to put an end to hypotheses about the Rays’ move to the city.
The Rays’ existing 30-year lease at Tropicana Field ends in 2027, and the franchise had moved elsewhere, such as Tampa, amid still-low attendance.
Rays owner Stuart Sternberg told the Tampa Bay Times earlier this month that the organization expects to “pay part or more” of the stadium fee. The remainder of the charge will be funded through the City of St. Petersburg and Pinellas County.
The new stadium will be part of a major redevelopment of St. Petersburg’s gas factory district, an 86-acre allocation that also includes affordable housing, offices and breakdown shops in what was once a thriving black neighborhood.
The team and city first unveiled the definition of the allocation in January, with Mayor Ken Welch calling the Rays “the most productive spouse for this generational effort. “
Information from The Associated Press used in this report.