Canada
This article was added by the user . TheWorldNews is not responsible for the content of the platform.

St. Petersburg to follow Rays’ plan for new stadium

The first box was checked Monday in keeping the Tampa Bay Rays right where they have been — in St. Petersburg, Fla., on a redeveloped 86-acre plot.

Mayor Ken Welch announced that the city has chosen the Rays’ vision for a new stadium and all 86 acres, a project that’s estimated to cost more than $6 billion over the next 20-plus years. It includes $2.5 billion to $3 billon for a new 30,000-seat ballpark on the site where Tropicana Field currently sits.

Sign up to receive the daily top stories from the National Post, a division of Postmedia Network Inc.

By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. You may unsubscribe any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of our emails or any newsletter. Postmedia Network Inc. | 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4 | 416-383-2300

“The process was detailed and transparent, and as your mayor, I have done my homework.” Welch said, according to the Tampa Bay Times. “I am confident that this decision is the best path forward.”

The next question is, will the Rays commit to staying now that their vision and specs were selected? The organization has yet to state that publicly.

Rays co-president Brian Auld recently said the organization is fully engaged with St. Pete but is also “continuing dialog” about a Tampa stadium.

Tampa officials are also discussing a stadium with the Rays on 33 acres of property along the Ybor Channel in Ybor Harbor.

“There is a lot of work still to do,” Tampa mayor Jane Castor said, according to the Times. “Tampa remains a great option for the team and we’re keeping our door open and pencil sharpened for the due diligence on any potential Rays stadium proposal in Tampa.”

The Rays’ lease at Tropicana Field ends in 2027.

–Field Level Media

Check out our sports section for the latest news and analysis. Care for a wager? Head to our sports betting section for news and odds.