Tampa Bay Rays

Mark Ferguson strives to operate a “very accepting” and “blue collar bar” that equally attracts celebrities, local leaders and, most importantly, the “everyday people who make it so special.”

It's an ambitious target, although roof repairs are well underway. St. Petersburg, which is responsible for repairs, says installation of the fabric roof panels is on track to finish in December.

The Orlando group said it has a lender for the largest and safest portion of the money needed to buy a baseball franchise. Known as senior debt, it makes it easier and cheaper for the Dreamers to borrow.

“Those development rights are the city’s now; they’re not the Rays’ after 30 years,” St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch said. “That gives us a very, very strong negotiating position now.”

The city and businesses have benefitted from the regular influx of baseball fans since the Rays began play in 1998, Lawmakers say plans to replace that revenue require immediate attention.

A deal that would have built a ballpark as part of a redevelopment plan for the Historic Gas Plant District is no more. According to Mayor Ken Welch, the push to rebuild the site continues.

Roof panel installation is estimated to run from August to December, marking the completion of the first major fix to the stadium.

The Rowdies, who are owned by the Rays, would be part of the purchase by Patrick Zalupski, who is considering a stadium site pitched to the baseball team in 2018 but now targeted for women' soccer.

Commissioner Rob Manfred says, “I have no reason to quibble with or dispute the reports," about the Rays expected $1.7 million sale to a group led by Jacksonville developer Patrick Zalupski.

Any concerns raised about hosting postseason games in a smaller venue did not carry enough weight to prevent the Rays from maintaining the home-field advantage gained while Tropicana Field’s is repaired.

Some St. Petersburg businesses relied on Rays fans visiting during the season. Others said they don’t miss the traffic. But in Tampa, business owners are happy to see the extra customers.

With a $1.7 billion agreement in principle with Jacksonville developer Patrick Zalupski, the sale could be completed as early as September, according to The Athletic. The new ownership's preference is to play in Tampa.