ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — As some discussions between St. Petersburg and the Tampa Bay Rays continue, city officials are moving forward with how the Tropicana Field location could look in the future.
The City of St. Petersburg has released the seven proposals it is considering for the redevelopment of the 86 acre-stadium site.
The team’s deal at Tropicana Field ends after the 2027 season.
What You Need To Know
- St. Pete-Rays still talking about Trop site
- Rays Mayor Kriseman says role team asked for in development deal too high
- Team owner Stu Sternberg: "We’re focused on Tampa Bay right now"
- LOOK: City of St. Pete releases redeveloped Trop site proposals
On Tuesday, the city released the proposals from various developers about what they would like to do with the land.
Each is posted on the city’s website, with a comments section for the public to weigh in.
“It’s important that we make sure that we loudly and clearly hear the voice of the community on everything we do on this project,” said St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman.
As for the Rays, the mayor said the team asked the city to transfer ownership of part of the land to them.
That would mean the Rays would receive the development right proceeds for that portion of land.
The mayor said he could not agree to the city losing control of the site.
St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman says the city will release the proposals it received to redevelop the Tropicana Field site at 4pm today on its website. There will be a comments section where the public can share their thoughts about each proposal @BN9 pic.twitter.com/aP03byT3HB
— Jorja Roman (@JorjaRoman) January 26, 2021
But he hopes the team will work with the city, and the developer, so together they can figure out other ways to fund a new stadium.
Both sides seem optimistic a deal still could be reached, despite the Rays still publicly discussing a split-season plan between St. Petersburg and Montreal.
“I want the Rays here. I want the team to stay. I want to work with ownership on creative ways to finance a new stadium that do not involved city taxpayers dollars if its a split season,” Mayor Kriseman said.
Rays owner Stu Sternberg has said they want to play here – at least partially.
“We’re focused on Tampa Bay right now. We feel even stronger about, and as strong as we ever have, about split season concept,” said Rays team owner Stu Sternberg. “We know that half of it will be in Tampa Bay or part of it will be in Tampa Bay and part of it will be in Montreal.”
He said things are moving along on a Canada plan.
Kriseman has said from the beginning he is not going to agree to a split season if the city has to pay for the construction of the stadium.
So for now, talks continue to figure out whether this land will be redeveloped with a stadium or without one.