Historic Gas Plant District

Council member Brandi Gabbard believes the Urban Land Institute (ULI) can provide that “guiding document” for city officials.

"The Rays and St. Pete can negotiate that land, and they’ll stay out of it."

The Rays’ new ownership group, if it chooses to stay in St. Petersburg beyond 2028, will have significant space to build a new stadium.

The city and county will conduct a feasibility study that will help determine if there's a market demand for convention space, as well as the impact it would have on the economy and tourism.

The Rays confirmed that they have begun exclusive discussions with a group led by billionaire Patrick Zalupski that also includes unspecified Tampa Bay investors. The local involvement could mean the team stays in the region.

A general consensus among panelists was that the property should honor its roots while keeping the future in mind.

St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch discusses the uncertainty around the Tampa Bay Rays, the redevelopment of the Historic Gas Plant District, and other topics.

After meeting with the Rays to "check some legal boxes" on the site, Mayor Ken Welch signaled a new willingness to discuss a five- or 10-year extension of the team's lease – under the right conditions.

There are several possible scenarios that could keep the team in the Tampa Bay area. Or they might seek greener fields elsewhere.

Gov. Ron DeSantis said the baseball team has made a lot of progress in building a fan base in the region. But he held up the success of hockey's Tampa Bay Lightning as an example to emulate.

St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch said he was not surprised, adding he still intends to repair Tropicana Field and move forward with the redevelopment of the Historic Gas Plant District.

Owner Stuart Sternberg pronounces the deal dead, citing events resulting from Hurricane Milton. Rays president Matt Silverman says the team is not for sale, but ownership remains committed to the Tampa area.