St. Pete, Rays Close to Stadium Deal?

The City of St. Petersburg and the Tampa Bay Rays are getting close to an agreement that would pave the way for the team to explore new stadium sites elsewhere.

That’s according to the Tampa Bay Times, which says Mayor Rick Kriseman would like to see a proposal put together before Christmas so it could go to the city council for approval.

Details of the possible deal are not readily available, but the Times says talks are going well.

With dwindling attendance a pressing problem, the team has been considering a move out of Tropicana Field for some time. The Hillsborough County Commission voted back in October to allow the Tampa Sports Authority to act as the official negotiator on their behalf in an effort to get the Rays to consider their side of the Bay.

A battle with St. Petersburg and Pinellas County on one side and Hillsborough County on the other has been heating up for more than a year. While the Rays are contractually obligated to play at Tropicana Field through 2027, Major League Baseball has made it clear a new stadium is needed.

The Rays and St. Petersburg have been in talks for quite a while to brainstorm a solution that would put the team in better standing while also making sure St. Pete doesn’t face a major loss financially. With attendance at Tropicana Field dismal in 2014, the need to act fast is becoming evident, the Tampa Bay Times pointed out.

Whether the Rays can get out of the deal with St. Petersburg remains unclear. It’s also unclear whether the Rays would even seek to stay in Tampa Bay if they were able to broker a deal that would end the obligation to play at Tropicana Field.

Where do you think the Rays should play? Would you attend more games if they moved? Tell us by commenting below!

See Also:

• Battle of the Bay: Where Do You Think the Rays Should Play?
• Tampa Bay Rays: Should St. Pete Let Go?
• Tampa By Rays Need New Stadium, MLB Says