Tropicana Field site

The Tropicana Field, home to the Rays since 1998, faced significant challenges leading to the team’s search for a new stadium. Despite approval for a new ballpark and surrounding area redevelopment, hurricane damage and financing delays resulted in the deal falling through. The future of the Trop remains uncertain, with potential considerations for alternative uses.

Key players: Rays owner Stuart Sternberg, St. Petersburg City Council, Mayor Ken Welch, Pinellas County commissioners.

Al Lang Stadium

In 2007, plans for a new $450 million ballpark at Al Lang Stadium were abandoned due to high costs and public concerns. While the site later became home to the Tampa Bay Rowdies, challenges remain in making it suitable for Major League Baseball.

Key players: Sternberg, St. Petersburg City Council, Welch.

Toytown landfill

Proposals for a sports complex at the Toytown site in 2015 did not materialize, leaving the option open for a potential youth sports complex. The future of the location is under discussion.

Key players: Pinellas County, developer Darryl LeClair, Gary Sheffield Sports Foundation.

Carillon office park area

The Carillon project for a new ballpark led by developer Darryl LeClair faced challenges and is no longer a viable option. The site is now a business and office district.

Key players: LeClair, CityScape.

Derby Lane

Considered for a new stadium in 2015, Derby Lane’s large size and location made it appealing. However, the site was eventually dismissed as a potential location, now operating as a poker room.

Key players: Richard Winning, Chris Steinocher.

Albert Whitted Airport

The airport’s potential as a stadium site faced challenges, including concerns about flooding. Recent discussions have raised the idea, but no progress has been made towards transforming the site into a ballpark.

Key players: Welch, Pinellas County.

Ybor City/Ybor Harbor/Channel District

The Channel District/Ybor City area emerged as a top choice for a ballpark, but the project was ultimately canceled. Urban and commercial growth in the area presents challenges in securing funding for a new stadium.

Key players: County Commissioner Ken Hagan, Rays President Brian Auld, BluePearl Veterinary Services CEO Shaw.

Florida State Fairgrounds

Considered as a potential site, the Florida State Fairgrounds faced obstacles related to growth and lack of nearby amenities. The site remains the home of the annual Florida State Fair.

Key players: Hillsborough County, Rays.

Tampa Heights

The Tampa Heights location, once a prospect for a new stadium, faced challenges and remains undeveloped. The area’s growth presents obstacles in accommodating a large-scale project like a stadium.

Key players: Hillsborough County, Rays, developer Adam Harden.

Conclusion

Despite numerous potential sites and discussions over the years, the search for a new stadium for the Rays continues to face challenges. Issues such as funding, location suitability, and community reception pose hurdles to finding a suitable home for the team in the Tampa Bay area.

FAQs

Q: Is there a definitive timeline for the Rays to secure a new stadium?

A: No, the search for a new stadium location for the Rays remains ongoing, with various challenges hindering progress.