Tropicana Field

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.

The city must fix the stadium under its 30-year contract with the Rays that runs through 2028. Council members voiced concerns about the price spikes, with the cost reaching just under$60 million.

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.

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.

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.

With the team negotiating a deal that would make relocation unlikely, the lawyer and investor in the Orlando Dreamers says "the Tampa area does not compare with Orange County" for baseball.

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.

While the Rays unwind their stadium conundrum, Mayor Jerry Demings says he’s been approached by more than one group, but more details are needed as well as talks on how his county would benefit.

The city council agreed to extend contracts with security, design and disaster recovery companies. The city’s engineering director said the project will not exceed the $55 million projection.

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