• Loading stock data...
Saturday, July 19, 2025

Rays’ $1.3B Ballpark Hangs in the Balance During County Bond Vote

The Rays are already grappling with hurricane damage and will play their 2025 home games at a minor league facility. A county vote, however, threatens to derail their planned new ballpark. 

Damage from Hurricane Milton to Tropicana Field
Will Vragovic-Tampa Bay Rays

An ugly offseason for the Rays could grow even worse Tuesday if the Pinellas County, Fla., commission blocks the issuance of bonds toward a new $1.3 billion ballpark—a move that could again make the club a relocation possibility.

The MLB franchise is already grappling with the effects of Hurricane Milton on Tropicana Field, which is forcing a full-year move to George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, also the home of the Yankees’ spring training home and a minor league team. But newly elected opposition to the stadium on the county commission raises the serious prospect that bonds covering a sizable portion of the project cost will not happen. 

A vote to approve the county bonds, paying $312.5 million toward the stadium project, has already been delayed once. The measure is on the agenda for a commission meeting on Tuesday, but another postponement is possible—a move that would already threaten a groundbreaking targeted for early next year toward a ballpark opening in 2028. 

Pushing back that timetable would inevitably raise the costs of the new ballpark, which will be borne entirely by private sources as the taxpayer contribution is capped. The Rays’ revenue prospects are also impaired after recent adjustments to its local media rights with Diamond Sports Group, and the recent deal to play at the 11,000-seat Steinbrenner Field.

Over the weekend, Rays owner Stu Sternberg told the Tampa Bay Times the initial delay in the bond approval “sent a clear message that we had lost the county as a partner.”

“The future of baseball in Tampa Bay became less certain after that [prior] vote,” Sternberg said. 

Even Worse Damage

The Rays, meanwhile, released a set of photographs further detailing just how extensive the hurricane damage is to Tropicana Field. Though the city of St. Petersburg has already received an initial repair assessment—pointing to nearly $56 million and about a year that will be required—the latest pictures show something of an apocalyptic scene inside the facility.

Pieces of the roof have been strewn about all over the ballpark interior, water damage is extensive, and some fourth-floor team offices have now become open to the elements after the roof was ripped apart, similar to the main dome at the stadium.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jul 13, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred announces the pick for the Athletics pick during the MLB Draft at The Coca-Cola Roxy.

Manfred Says MLB Had Wrong Approach to Creators Like Jomboy

“You gotta go where people are going,” the commissioner said.
Jun 9, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Luis Ortiz (45) reacts after giving up a home run during the fourth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Progressive Field.

MLB Pitcher’s Paid Leave Extended Through August As Betting Probe Continues

Leagues have been dealing with a host of sports betting issues.

Netflix Beats Projections Again—and Plots Big Holiday Sports Slate

The streaming giant again beats analyst projections in every respect.

Cleveland’s WNBA Team Follows Golden State’s Proven Blueprint

The franchise will play its first WNBA season in 2028.

Featured Today

Ryan Field Construction
exclusive

First Look Inside Northwestern’s $862 Million New Ryan Field

Five big things FOS learned on our exclusive stadium tour.
Jul 21, 2024; Ayrshire, SCT; Xander Schauffele celebrates with Claret Jug after winning the Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Troon.
July 17, 2025

The Boozy History and Traditions of The Open’s Claret Jug

The Open awards the world’s most famous wine decanter.
2025 PDC World Darts Championship Final - Luke Littler vs Michael Van Gerwen
July 16, 2025

A Teen Darts Prodigy Is Becoming Bigger Than the Game Itself

Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler is cashing in on his devastatingly accurate shot.
May 31, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Sydney McLaughin-Levrone (USA) reacts before the women's 100m hurdles during the Grand Slam Track Philadelphia at Franklin Field
exclusive
July 13, 2025

Track’s New Money Is Running Into Old Problems

The sport’s big-money era has hit some speed bumps in 2025.
Josh Donaldson

Josh Donaldson Seeks Another $70K in Landlord Dispute

Donaldson rented the house while playing for the Yankees in 2022.
Oct 27, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; A general view of the Wells Fargo Center before game between Philadelphia Flyers and Montreal Canadiens.
July 10, 2025

New Philly Arena Will Redefine Home-Court Advantage, CEO Says

The forthcoming venue will arrive with plenty of ambition among its owners.
The 153rd Open
July 16, 2025

Trump Talks Continue, but Turnberry’s Open Return Is Uncertain

Trump Turnberry is still under consideration for future Open Championships.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
April 19, 2022; Austin, TX, USA; Tim Leiweke of the Oak View Group speaks at a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Moody Center, a multi-purpose arena that will be home to concerts and the UT basketball teams on Tuesday April 19, 2022.
July 9, 2025

Oak View Founder Tim Leiweke Indicted for Alleged Rigged Arena Bid

The longtime sports executive leaves his day-to-day leadership role.
July 9, 2025

Browns $600M Stadium Deal Hit With Suit Over ‘Unclaimed’ Money

Ohio’s use of unclaimed funds for a new stadium is challenged legally.
July 8, 2025

Chiefs Delay Stadium Decision As Kansas Dangles Dome Dreams

Kansas legislators extend bonds for potential Chiefs and Royals facilities.
Jul 3, 2022; London, United Kingdom; Jannik Sinner (ITA) returns a shot during his match against Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) on day seven at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
July 7, 2025

Wimbledon’s Expansion Battle Looms Over Star-Studded Quarterfinals

The expansion’s loudest opposition is Save Wimbledon Park.