Pinellas County Approves $1.3B Rays Stadium

The Tampa Bay Rays have secured final approval from the Pinellas County Commission for a new $1.3 billion stadium in the Historic Gas Plant District, following a 5-2 vote. The project, which also includes extensive mixed-use development, will see the county contribute $312.5 million through tourist development taxes, with the Rays covering $700 million and additional cost overruns. Construction is set to begin in January 2025, aiming for completion by Opening Day 2028. St. Petersburg City Council had previously approved its $287.5 million contribution to the project. The development is expected to significantly boost the local economy, generating over $400 million in economic output, creating 15,000 jobs, and producing over $1 billion in taxes. The new stadium will replace Tropicana Field and is envisioned as a transformative project for the entire Tampa Bay region.