A rendering shows the Tampa Bay Rays/Hines' Historic Gas Plant District partnership proposal.

Tampa Bay Rays Abandon Plans for Downtown Stadium in St. Pete’s Historic Gas Plant District

The Tampa Bay Rays have officially withdrawn from their plans to construct a new stadium and mixed-use development in St. Petersburg’s Historic Gas Plant District. This decision follows a series of unforeseen events, including significant damage to Tropicana Field caused by Hurricane Milton in October 2024, which rendered the stadium unusable for the 2025 season.

The proposed $1.3 billion project aimed to revitalize the 86-acre Tropicana Field site with a state-of-the-art, 30,000-seat fixed-roof stadium surrounded by residential, office, retail, and hotel spaces. The development was expected to transform the area into a vibrant urban hub, benefiting both the team and the community.

However, the combined impact of the hurricane damage and delays in securing necessary financing led the Rays to reassess the project’s viability. In a statement, team owner Stuart Sternberg expressed that these challenges made it impossible to proceed as planned.

In the interim, with Tropicana Field undergoing repairs, the Rays will play their home games at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa for the 2025 season. The team and city officials are collaborating to restore Tropicana Field, aiming for a return in 2026.

The broader redevelopment of the Historic Gas Plant District, which was closely tied to the new stadium project, now faces uncertainty. St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch acknowledged the setback but reaffirmed the city’s commitment to revitalizing the area and fulfilling long-standing promises of economic development and opportunity for the community.

As the Rays explore alternative solutions for a long-term home, Major League Baseball has reiterated its commitment to keeping the team in the Tampa Bay region, working alongside local officials and community leaders to secure the club’s future.

While this is a bit of a bummer, there is a silver lining!

Rays Fans Score Big with Affordable Ticket Prices at Steinbrenner Field

With the Tampa Bay Rays relocating their home games to George M. Steinbrenner Field for the 2025 season, fans now have a unique opportunity to enjoy Major League Baseball at incredibly affordable prices. Even for Opening Day, ticket prices for many sections remain in the $10-$20 range, making it one of the most accessible MLB experiences for fans in the Tampa Bay region. This might not last long, but for now, the Pirates game opener has $13-dollar tickets on Stub Hub!

This shift presents huge benefits for die-hard Rays fans and casual spectators alike:

✅ Affordability for Families – A night at the ballpark is now a budget-friendly outing, perfect for bringing the whole family without breaking the bank.

✅ Better Seating Options for Less – With more reasonably priced tickets, fans can secure prime viewing spots that would typically cost far more at Tropicana Field or other MLB stadiums.

✅ Increased Fan Engagement – Lower prices mean more fans can attend games regularly, creating an electric atmosphere as the Rays push through the season.

✅ A Fresh Game Day Experience – Steinbrenner Field, home of the Yankees’ Spring Training, provides a more intimate setting, allowing fans to get closer to the action in a way not possible at larger stadiums.

For those who have always wanted to experience live MLB action without the high ticket costs, this season is the perfect time to dive in. Grab your seats now and be part of the Rays’ journey in their temporary home!