Make-or-break votes loom for Rays stadium deal
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Rendering: Courtesy of Tampa Bay Rays
The future of a "Forever Home" ballpark for the Rays in Tampa hinges on a pair of votes this week.
Why it matters: This could be the city's last shot at landing the Rays and, potentially, keeping the franchise in Tampa Bay.
Driving the news: The Rays unveiled a revised deal last week with Hillsborough County and the city of Tampa that, among other things, significantly reduced the latter's contribution toward the new stadium.
- The new agreement came about after discussions with the City Council, which twice torpedoed earlier votes on the ballpark.
- Even after all the changes, however, it's still anyone's guess whether it survives either government — with every new supporter seemingly matched by a new skeptic.
Zoom in: Hillsborough County would, according to the agreement, put up to $796 million toward the new stadium, primarily drawn from the voter-approved half-cent sales tax and tourist development taxes.
- Tampa, meanwhile, would front up to $80 million, paid in four $20 million installments from 2027 through 2029, for roads, sidewalks and other public improvements serving the stadium.
- The city would recoup its contribution from its share of future property tax revenue generated by the mixed-use development the Rays plan to build alongside the stadium.
Between the lines: The original memorandum called for Tampa to contribute $180 million, using money from the half-cent sales tax and the Drew Park Community Redevelopment Agency.
- The new deal would leave both funding sources intact. But it does not specify how the city would fund its $80 million contribution.
Friction point: The project may now have enough support to survive the City Council — thanks to Council Member Bill Carlson. But the County Commission could prove less receptive this time around.
- Commissioners Chris Boles and Christine Miller — who both voted "yes" on the original deal — have raised concerns about the new one, according to the Tampa Bay Times, and could upend it.
The intrigue: The Rays have said construction must begin soon for a new stadium to be ready by Opening Day 2029.
- If the deal falls apart, that timeline may, too. St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch has said he would be open to extending the team's lease at Tropicana Field beyond the 2028 season.
- His opponent, Charlie Crist, has promised to work on keeping the team in St. Petersburg, "where they belong."
What's next: The City Council will vote on the revised agreement on Thursday, Aug. 27.
- The County Commission will then take it up during a special meeting scheduled for Friday, Aug. 28.