Rays Stadium Deal Faces Uncertainty Over Funding Delays

Disagreements between Pinellas County, St. Petersburg, and the Rays threaten a $1.3 billion stadium and redevelopment project.

The Tampa Bay Rays, Pinellas County, and St. Petersburg had agreed to a $1.3 billion deal for a new stadium and redevelopment project, but funding delays have caused tensions.
Pinellas County postponed issuing bonds, citing concerns over the Rays' temporary relocation to Tampa for the 2025 season following hurricane damage to Tropicana Field.
The Rays argue that the county's delays have increased project costs, while local officials question whether the team is using this as leverage to renegotiate the deal.
The project includes significant redevelopment of the Tropicana Field site, with plans for housing, commercial spaces, and a Black history museum, which hinge on the stadium's approval.
Uncertainty over the deal has raised concerns about the Rays' potential relocation, though existing agreements restrict discussions of moving outside St. Petersburg.