The Tampa Bay Rays must confirm in writing their intentions in the financial package that will allow the construction of a new US$1.3 billion stadium or withdraw completely, a Pinellas County executive said Tuesday.
Kathleen Peters, chairwoman of the Pinellas County Commission, said in a letter to Tampa Bay Rays executives that the county needs to know by Sunday “whether you intend to see the project come to fruition” before that the commission meet to vote Dec. 17 on whether to provide grants to cover the construction costs of the new stadium.
The letter came after the Rays said the financial package was in jeopardy after a subsidy vote was postponed on Oct. 29. The St. Petersburg City Council also postponed a vote on how much of the subsidies it should cover.
Hurricane Milton, which caused significant damage to the roof of Tropicana Field earlier this fall, threw the project into chaos.
“Pinellas County acted in good faith, working to reach an agreement on the construction of the stadium while respecting the needs of our community following two consecutive hurricanes,” Peters wrote. If the Rays want to break this agreement, then you have the right to do so. Clear communication of your intentions will be essential to the next steps of this partnership. »
Brian Auld, co-president of the Rays, responded in a press release Tuesday that the team is not abandoning the project.
“We look forward to working with all partners on this issue to find a solution that allows the Major Leagues to continue operating in Tampa Bay beginning in 2029 and for future generations,” Auld said. As we always have, we will maintain contact with the City and County regarding our future. »
Peters said in his letter that it is not too late to reach an agreement to provide grants for the construction of a new stadium. She recalled that the deadline to do so was March 31, and reiterated that the county still believes that an agreement is possible.
The city and county, Peters continued, cannot break the agreement unless the new stadium is completed before February 1, 2030.
