• Loading stock data...
Friday, August 8, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

Rays Fire Back at County As $1.3B Stadium Deal Hangs in the Balance

An already difficult situation surrounding the Rays’ planned stadium development has now become a standoff with public officials. 

Rays
Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The Rays’ fractious stadium situation has reached something of a stalemate, with the team responding to recent county demands by pointing a finger right back at the public officials. 

Four days after Pinellas County, Fla., county commission chair Kathleen Peters called on the Rays to make a clear statement on their intentions for a $1.3 billion stadium in St. Petersburg, the club reiterated its claim that the city and county have failed to meet their responsibilities. 

“When it comes to honoring the spirit of the new ballpark agreements, it is Pinellas County, not the Rays, that falls short,” team co-president Matt Silverman wrote in a response letter to Peters. 

Silverman’s comments are the latest turn in a stadium development that once seemed sure but is now anything but as the Tampa area continues to grapple with the devastating effects of Hurricane Milton. Both the county and city of St. Petersburg delayed votes last month to approve bonding that would combine to cover nearly half of the stadium cost. 

Both jurisdictions are likely to revisit the issue in the coming weeks, but an altered county commission membership has brought new skepticism to the public funding for the ballpark. Already, the Rays have said a 2028 target date to complete the new stadium has been missed because of the recent public-sector actions and introduced additional costs that the team is responsible for and says it cannot afford.

“The Rays have always made it clear that the viability of the project depended on having certainty about the project’s approval and funding prior to the 2024 November elections,” Silverman wrote. “We would not have gone forward with the project if a future Pinellas County Commission had the ability to revoke the approval we all celebrated in July, or to unilaterally delay the project’s completion into 2029.”

Will Anybody Blink?

As the standoff continues, neither side appears willing to be the one to formally cut short the ballpark project, the centerpiece of a larger, $6.5 billion redevelopment of St. Petersburg’s Historic Gas Plant District. Additionally at issue is the ownership of the 65 acres of public land in question. If the stadium deal dies and the Rays aren’t issuing the official termination, it’s expected that the club will still control the property. 

“While publicly the Rays organization has said ‘the deal is dead,’ their written statement is in contrast,” Peters said after receiving Silverman’s letter. “Despite the Rays’ lack of political prowess of late, I’ve always been optimistic about this project because of the great economic impact it would bring to our county.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

More Dildo Throwing During WNBA Games Leads to Second Arrest

The 18-year-old threw a dildo that hit another fan and his young niece.

Smelling Salts Not Banned in the NFL, but Teams Can’t Hand Them..

Teams are banned from supplying smelling salts to their players.
Mar 11, 2024; Jupiter, Florida, USA; MLB umpire Jen Pawol watches from first base during the game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Washington Nationals at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium

MLB Calls Up First Female Umpire for Marlins-Braves Doubleheader

Jen Pawol officiated in the minor leagues and MLB spring training.

Featured Today

Inked Under Anesthesia: Athletes Getting $50,000 Tattoos

High-end studios, elite artist teams, and hours under anesthesia.
Coco Gauff at New York Liberty
August 2, 2025

How the New York Liberty Became the Hottest Ticket in Town

Once banished to the burbs, the Libs are now Brooklyn’s marquee attraction.
Las Vegas sign
July 29, 2025

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.
2000, Jupiter, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Montreal Expos pitcher Hideki Irabu in action on the mound against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium during Spring Training
July 28, 2025

Dead Sports Franchises Are Alive and Well on Twitter

The Expos, Sonics, and Whalers have active social media accounts.

Browns Push Forward on $2.4B Stadium Despite Political Obstacles

The NFL team plans a stadium groundbreaking, despite funding and legal issues.
Jul 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Injured Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks on from the bench during the first half of a basketball game against the Chicago Sky at United Center.
July 28, 2025

Chicago Sky Sell Out United Center With Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese Out

The Sky announced 19,601 fans attended the game at the United Center.
Jan 26, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) passes the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field.
July 29, 2025

$3.8B Commanders Stadium On Track for D.C. Approval

D.C. continues two days of public hearings on a proposed Commanders stadium.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
July 25, 2025

Prospective Rays Owner Must Start Fresh As $1.3B Stadium Deal Ends

St. Petersburg, Fla., officials formally terminate a prior ballpark agreement.
July 25, 2025

Eagles Turn to Their Fans As They Consider Future Stadium Plans

The defending Super Bowl champions are surveying season-ticket holders.
Jul 2, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox fans cheer after a home run by Boston Red Sox designated hitter Wilyer Abreu (52) during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Fenway Park.
July 25, 2025

Fenway Concession Workers Go on Strike for Dodgers Series

They’re asking fans not to buy food and drink at the games.
July 24, 2025

Commanders Restructure $3.8B Stadium Pact Ahead of Council Vote

A D.C. Council vote on the proposed stadium is now set for Aug. 1.