Rays redevelopment partners celebrate ‘providential day’

St. Petersburg, Pinellas County and Tampa Bay Rays officials took a moment to celebrate what Mayor Ken Welch called a “providential day” Wednesday morning.

The meeting at Tropicana Field lacked the pomp and circumstance of a September 2023 event when many of the same stakeholders announced the team was “here to stay.” However, it represented finality for an arduous process – and the start of another.

Less than 15 hours had passed since county commissioners approved a proposal that keeps the Rays in St. Petersburg for at least 30 years. A new ballpark will serve as a centerpiece for the Historic Gas Plant District’s $6.7 billion transformation, and Welch said the magnitude was “still sinking in.”

“We got here because of our partnerships and shared priorities,” Welch added. “We’re excited about the path forward. And as we move on to the next phase, we want to ensure this new set of promises is fulfilled.”

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida (right) will move out of a community center and into the reimagined Gas Plant District. Rendering provided.

Welch grew up in the predominantly Black former Gas Plant neighborhood before city officials began razing homes, businesses and churches in the late 1970s. Residents were promised economic opportunities and received the slanted-dome stadium and a sea of parking lots.

Stuart Sternberg purchased the Rays in 2008 and began searching for a new home in St. Petersburg and, eventually, Tampa. Welch offered 65 acres of prime real estate at a significant discount.

St. Petersburg will also provide $417.5 million for ballpark construction and infrastructure improvements. In return, the Rays and Hines development team will create 5,400 residential units, 750 hotel rooms, 1.4 million square feet of Class A office and medical space, 750,000 square feet of retail space, an entertainment venue and 14 acres of green space, and revitalize Booker Creek.

The developers will also build 1,250 affordable and workforce housing units and dedicate $50 million to equitable job training and educational initiatives, small-business assistance and a new African American museum. The city council approved the deal in a 5-3 vote.

The proposal had its share of detractors, including several Black community leaders. However, Welch said, some – including pastors Frank Peterman and Clarence Williams – have realized the project’s potential over time.

“So, let’s look forward to how we can take advantage of these opportunities that are coming for our community,” Welch said. “But let’s not underestimate the vast and diverse support we had for this.”

Andrikk Frazier, CEO of Best Source Consulting, noted that people may have opposed specific aspects but not the entire deal. He also stressed that the team would continue gathering feedback and wants to “work with everybody in this community to make it a better place.”

Council Chair Deborah Figgs-Sanders also expected differing viewpoints, particularly with a generational project. She believes the council and commission’s approval will precipitate more civil discussions.

“I look forward to those that didn’t understand it prior to the votes now being more objective, having an open mind and listening to the benefits that come along with it,” Figgs-Sanders said. “It’s all about education …”

City Council Chair Deborah Figgs Sanders (left) and Rays president Brian Auld share a moment after the meeting.

The county will contribute $312.5 million in tourist development taxes to a new ballpark, and own the site. Commissioners, who approved the deal in a 5-2 vote, must allocate the funding to capital projects that increase visitation.

Chair Kathleen Peters credited Welch for his vision. While the negotiation process “took a whole lot of work,” she expects the project to provide the “largest economic development project this county has ever seen.”

Peters called its economic return on investment “historic.” Stakeholders estimate it will generate over $6 billion in private investment and $1.4 billion in new local property taxes.

The Rays will contribute over $700 million to the $1.3 billion ballpark, $51 million for infrastructure and cover any cost overages. Peters said the generational project will contribute much-needed skilled jobs for residents and allow commissioners to lower taxes and provide exceptional, critical services while keeping the Rays in St. Petersburg.

“We are building on the promise of voters from decades ago who voted to have baseball in Pinellas County,” Peters said. “We are bridging the gap between the bay and the beaches. From Tierra Verde to Clearwater Beach and Pinellas Park to downtown – there is something here for everyone.”

County Commission Chair Kathleen Peters (left) and Rays president Matt Silverman.

Rays president Matt Silverman noted that Sternberg lives in and loves the city. He said other owners would have likely relinquished their pursuit of a new stadium in the area long before Tuesday night’s final vote.

“After several attempts, we found our way back home,” Silverman said.

After the meeting, fellow president Brian Auld said Rays officials held a “mini celebration” Tuesday night at the Trop while watching the team beat the Miami Marlins. He said they would take a much-needed breather but remain eager for the task ahead.

“We will enjoy this for a little while … but we’re going to wake up awfully darn energized tomorrow morning,” Auld added. “And ready to fulfill a lot of the commitments that we’ve been making.”