ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Ahead of the first expected votes, St. Pete City Council met for another workshop session Wednesday diving into the details of what’s included in a dozen agreements for the proposed $1.3 billion new ballpark for the Tampa Bay Rays.
The discussion over the new stadium plans comes a month after council members met for a meeting regarding the surrounding redevelopment of the Historic Gas Plant District. Wednesday’s focused solely on the stadium, including how it would be built, who would operate it and how it would be paid for.
“We are positioned to bring certainty to the Rays future and St. Pete’s status as a major league city,” Mayor Ken Welch said during his opening remarks. His administration first announced an agreement with the Rays and the developer Hines last fall.
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Welch says the project could be a major economic driver for the region, bringing in tens of thousands of jobs during construction and when it's done.
“It is a community asset that will be used throughout the year and is an anchor that supports the surrounding redevelopment,” Welch said.
The Rays leadership also showed off new renderings of the state-of-the-art ballpark they say will provide an experience like no other.
“It is a landmark attraction St Pete deserves and it will be enjoyed by all, not just baseball fans, but citizens across Tampa Bay,” Rays Co-President Matt Silverman said.
More than a dozen agreements will have to be approved by city council members for the plans to become a reality, what is and what is not included in those documents were discussed and questioned at length Wednesday.
Under the operating agreement, the Rays would essentially lease the stadium for 30 years, and oversee operation, including maintenance and repair. They’ll also take in the revenue generated from events, parking and naming rights. The Rays would also be on the hook to pay the property insurance, which cost upwards of $200 million for the length of the deal.
Part of the terms includes a non-relocation agreement, with the Rays committing to being in St. Pete for 30 years. The goal would be to break ground on the new stadium in early 2025.
Council members still want some of the details ironed out and in writing before a vote, including if the stadium could be used to assist after a major disaster like a hurricane.
“I don’t feel like the language I’m seeing in the agreement…is adequate with the amount of investment we are asked to put forward,” said Council Member Brandi Gabbard, who added she sees the plan as an economic benefit for the city.
The stadium’s price tag of $1.3 billion, includes $287 million from the city that with interest over the length of the deal could cost nearly $500 million. Pinellas County would be on the hook for about $300 million, paid for through the local bed tax.
In the end, it will take five of the eight council members to greenlight the project. Right now, some are not ready to buy in.
Councilmember Richie Floyd says he believes redevelopment of the Gas Plant District is important, but he doesn’t believe a baseball stadium is necessary for that to happen, especially given the public cost.
“If we can’t get the stadium subsidy under control, if we can’t make sure this project doesn’t run a deficit then I can’t support it,” Floyd told 10 Tampa Bay.
Floyd’s concerns were echoed by a group of residents who have called for a better deal that benefits the taxpayers. Mayor Welch previously dismissed those saying the majority of constituents are in favor of keeping the Rays in St. Pete.
Regulatory votes related to this project are expected to begin at a council meeting on Thursday, while the final vote is slated for July 11. All agreements will require approval by the county and Major League Baseball.