Pinellas commissioner, vocal about Rays in Tampa, meets with St. Pete mayor
Negotiations over team's future heating up as lease at Tropicana Field nears its expiration
Pinellas County Commissioner Pat Gerard, who has been a vocal advocate for keeping the Tampa Bay Rays in Tampa, met with St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch on Tuesday to discuss the team's future. The Rays' lease at Tropicana Field expires after the 2027 season, and the team has been exploring options for a new stadium, including a move to Tampa or a new stadium in St. Petersburg.
Gerard has been a vocal supporter of keeping the Rays in Tampa, and he has proposed a plan to build a new stadium in Ybor City. Welch has said that he wants to keep the Rays in St. Petersburg, but he has not committed to a specific plan.
The meeting between Gerard and Welch was the first in a series of planned meetings between the two sides. The Rays have said that they will make a decision on their future by the end of the year.
Rays have several options for new stadium
The Rays have several options for a new stadium, including:
- A new stadium in Ybor City
- A new stadium in St. Petersburg
- A move to Tampa
Ybor City
Ybor City is a historic neighborhood in Tampa that is home to many restaurants, bars, and shops. A new stadium in Ybor City would be located near the city's downtown and would be easily accessible to fans from both Tampa and St. Petersburg.
St. Petersburg
The Rays have played in St. Petersburg since 1998, and the team has a strong fan base in the city. A new stadium in St. Petersburg would be located near the city's downtown and would be easily accessible to fans from both St. Petersburg and Tampa.
Tampa
Tampa is the largest city in the Tampa Bay area, and it is home to many large corporations and businesses. A new stadium in Tampa would be located near the city's downtown and would be easily accessible to fans from both Tampa and St. Petersburg.
Rays' decision could have major impact on Tampa Bay area
The Rays' decision on where to build a new stadium could have a major impact on the Tampa Bay area. A new stadium in Tampa could help to revitalize the city's downtown, while a new stadium in St. Petersburg could help to keep the team in the city where it has played for over 20 years.
The Rays' decision is also likely to have a significant impact on the local economy. A new stadium is expected to generate jobs and boost tourism. It could also help to increase property values in the area.
Conclusion
The Rays' decision on where to build a new stadium is a major issue for the Tampa Bay area. The team has several options, and its decision is likely to have a significant impact on the region's economy and development.
