Pinellas County Delays Rays Stadium Financing Vote

The Tampa Bay Rays' plans for a new $1.3 billion stadium in St. Petersburg have been significantly delayed due to a lack of support from the Pinellas County Commission, which voted to postpone a crucial bond financing vote until December 17. The team's officials expressed frustration, stating that the failure to secure funding has jeopardized the stadium's completion by 2028, with a potential delay to 2029 likely leading to increased costs that the team cannot absorb. Additionally, hurricane damage from Hurricane Milton has forced the Rays to find a temporary home at George M. Steinbrenner Field for the 2025 season, complicating their immediate future. The Rays have invested over $50 million in early stadium work but now face uncertainties regarding public funding, prompting them to suspend further development efforts. Some commissioners criticized the Rays' strategy, emphasizing the need for caution in financing such projects amid ongoing infrastructure concerns. The situation has created tensions between the Rays organization and local officials, putting the future of Major League Baseball in Tampa Bay at risk.