Rowdies will remain at Al Lang for ‘foreseeable future’

The Tampa Bay Rowdies will call Al Lang Stadium, on St. Petersburg’s waterfront, home through November 2025 following the city council’s approval of a new management, maintenance and operation agreement.

Team officials – who also own the Tampa Bay Rays – only requested a one-year extension in 2021 due to ongoing Tropicana Field redevelopment proposals. It is unclear why ownership sought the council’s approval for a lengthier agreement during Thursday’s meeting.

The new contract, however, includes several changes from previous iterations. The Rowdies now have naming rights throughout the facility but must include the phrase “at Al Lang Stadium” in the new moniker. The city will receive a portion of those proceeds, the use of one of two on-pitch electric signs and permission to display temporary signage.

In return, the city administration will provide $200,000 for much-needed capital improvements. Council members unanimously approved the new agreement.

“The Rowdies are grateful to the City of St. Petersburg for their efforts in reaching this agreement,” said Vice Chairman Brian Auld in a statement. “And are proud to carry on as the stewards of this historic venue while continuing to entertain fans for years to come.”

Fans watch one of several after-match fireworks displays during the season.

Opened in 1947 and named after a former mayor instrumental in bringing minor league and spring training baseball to St. Petersburg, the city renovated Al Lang to host soccer in 2011. As the dedicated home of the Rowdies, it has a total capacity of 7,227.

Joe Zeoli, director of development for the city, relayed that St. Petersburg’s history with the Rowdies franchise dates back to 1975. He recalled working as an 18-year-old usher for the team’s first match at the Bayfront Center Arena that Valentine’s Day.

The franchise disbanded in 1993, marking the end of the “classic era.” The team’s latest iteration played its inaugural 2010 season across the bay at Steinbrenner Field before returning to the St. Petersburg waterfront in 2011.

While Al Lang underwent major renovations between 2010 and 2015, Zeoli noted several remaining challenges. The stadium’s lights are left over from its days as a baseball facility, the pitch (field) needs work and team officials must address waterproofing issues.

“Which is a continual project to make sure that we protect the structure,” added Zeoli. “And these are not things that have appeared overnight if you will. They’ve been out there for a while.”

Since Al Lang is a charter-protected city park, team leadership must include that moniker and seek the council’s approval before selling naming rights to the stadium or portions of the facility. The city will receive 20% of those proceeds.

The team needs the bulk of that money, in addition to the $200,000 provided by the city, explained Zeoli, to address capital improvements.

The agreement stipulates that the Rowdies will host 10 events unrelated to soccer at Al Lang through each year of the extension. Administrators can also advertise city-related events on the electronic billboard and through temporary signs.

While the Rowdies are building a training facility in Tampa, Zeoli said that would mitigate wear and tear on Al Lang’s pitch, where the team currently practices. He said it would also allow for more uses, like hosting concerts.

Jeff Parkinson, director of operation, facilities and grounds for the Rowdies, said the Tampa facility would not detract from any events or games in St. Petersburg.

“That is our home,” stressed Parkinson. “That will always be our home – you know, for the foreseeable future.”

Zeoli said the new agreement still accommodates the St. Petersburg Grand Prix and the Saturday Morning Market. He relayed that neither organization reached out with any concerns and believes that city and team officials are “on solid ground with both of those events.”

The market utilizes Al Lang’s parking lots, which the city owns. However, Zeoli noted team officials also allow it to use interior space as it expands. He said there is a good working relationship between the two entities.

Players signing autographs for young fans is a post-match ritual at Al Lang.

Fans have become accustomed to watching the Rowdies win in recent years. The 2019 season – the first under Rays ownership – kicked off with a 13-match winning streak. The team subsequently made the United Soccer League’s playoffs for the first time in two years.

The Rowdies won the USL Eastern Conference title in 2020, although the league canceled the championship due to a Covid outbreak. Tampa Bay repeated as conference champs last year but fell 3-1 at home to the Orange County SC in the season finale.

The 2022 season concluded Nov. 5 with a 1-0 road loss in extra minutes to Louisville FC in the Eastern Conference Championship.

“The games are just really exciting to attend, and it’s wonderful that it’s such a great family atmosphere,” said Council Chair Gina Driscoll. “Something else for people to find that they can enjoy in St. Pete, and we’re really proud of that team.”