Rays look for stadium vote in a year, official says

ST. PETERSBURG -- Voters here likely will be asked next November to approve plans for a new waterfront baseball stadium, a city official who was briefed on the team’s intentions said today.

City Council chairman Jamie Bennett spent 90 minutes this morning hearing the Rays stadium proposal at the team’s offices at Tropicana Field. According to Bennett:

* The new stadium, which would be built on the site of Al Lang Field, will have views of the bay, the Pier and the city skyline.

* The stadium would have approximately 34,000 seats and be open air.

* The parking lot attached to Al Lang would be turned into a park.

* About 12,000 parking spaces are available within a half-mile of the site, according to the Rays. The team has pledged to build an additional 5,000 spaces nearby.

* The team believes canvas-like material that would extend over parts of the field would help keep the stadium cool during the hot summers.

Bennett, who said he was skeptical entering the meeting, left believing the stadium could fit at Al Lang. There was no talk of additional city funding to pay for the new stadium, which would cost $450-million, Bennett said.

"They've done their homework," Bennett said. "And from first blush, it seems like it could work."

- Aaron Sharockman, Times staff writer

Comments

[Kim]

It they the Rays want a new stadium let them build it and pay for it. Bennett can give his salary to them to help them build it.

[jq]

Who cares who the "views" are. Wouldn't people be watching the game instead of checking out the "view"?

[Ryan]

The Rays will never get a good turn out with a stadium in St. Pete. If they want this to work they must bring the stadium to Tampa. One bad decision after another with this organization.

[Rose]

Good Grief! Another stadium - what about the current one - are they talking about tearing it down for parking? Ridiculous - let them win some games first!!!!

[steve oneal]

I can't believe this is even being considered especially in todays tough tax time on Florida residents. The rays say that they will pay but only 1/3. they say they won't ask for taxpayers money, yet they want to sell COUNTY property to finance remainder of 450 million dollar cost. And this is projected cost and never has projected costs been enough. Then they say oh yea we also need 60 million in tax breaks. So HOW IN THE HELL IS THIS NOT COSTING TAXPAYERS. I don't even live in St. Pete(Lifetime Tampa res)and the tax break would still effect me. I'm about ready for a revolution. And DO NOT GIVE THAT BS ABOUT THE ECONOMIC WINDFALL FROM NEW STADIUM!! These are the same guys that said a new stadium might be something they would need down the road but had no immediate plans just this season. I guess they LIED huh? THIS IS ALL BS.

How about they raise salaries, attract some talent and win a few games before they start sponging up tax dollars? Just wait - if intial reaction is negative (as it likely should be) how long do you think it will take for management to say they're moving the Rays to another city if we don't build the stadium?

I say good riddance. Ask the average citizen in Tampa how they like subsidizing the BUCs, while the profit flows solely into the owners pockets.

[Tim]

Excellent idea and location for the new Rays stadium. St. Pete has so much more to offer than Tampa. Tampa has no culture and is littered with stripjoints, billboards, etc....and is regressing as a city. St. Pete has great restaurants, shops, museums, and it has trememdous upside. The St. Pete waterfront is a beautiful place (actually the best place in this region) and the Rays front office really knows what they're doing with this plan. They have my full support!

[Casey Peterson]

Sheesh, it seems to me like a good 90% of the people who comment on newspaper stories about this new ballpark are some major Negative Nancys.

I know I speak for the vast majority of die-hard Rays fans (yes, we do exist) when I say that we are very, very excited about this.

[Nick]

These councilpeople know more than the rest of us do. Having recently moved here, I've see what a new stadium has done to Baltimore. The harbor area in Baltimore was a slum. They added beautiful retail and the two stadiums. The stadiums brought countless people to the area to use the new ammenties. St. Pete is so close! Baywalk is beautiful, but there is room for growth. The number of people that would come to downtown St. Pete could really allow the city to blossom. The city is just this small step from becoming the premier culture center for the region. Just my opinion.

[Bob]

Wow, so they expect a tarp over the stands to keep out the 90%+ humidity we have around here in the summer?

[Michael]

"If you build it Rays, the wins and people will definitely come." Funny how this line is derived from Costner's Field of Dreams movie and he was just here unveiling the new uniforms. Rays, you have my support!!!

[Ron]

For years we've heard the complaint that people won't go to Tropicana Field because of the drive, yet the Trop has interstate exits on both sides. Now, they want to funnel that traffic down Central Avenue.

This is just the next step in the plan to move the team. Once it's shot down at the polls, the owners can say "See, they don't want the team". Good bye Rays.

[Carl]

Great idea, however, because it'll be open, most of the games I'll attend will be at night and in April and May.

[Amanda]

Sounds great, but with one change; tarp? I don't think so. Retractable roof, please!

[Jesse]

Great idea! The idea of having the stadium in walking distance from all of the restaurants and bars downtown makes so much sense. After the game people could go to Cafe Alma or The Garden for a drink, or Central Cigars for a cigar. Brilliant! I suppose the only one who loses is Fergs...

[Jim Dietrich]

Here's two points everyone's missing:

1.) According to everyone complaining that they need to move either to Tampa or out of the area, the lease they have with St. Pete states that they MUST stay in St. Pete for the remainder of their lease, unless the city allows them to move. As we all know, that's not going to happen, and since the lease expires in 2027, it won't happen for 20 years. So, despite the cries from the self-centered Tampons who need everything in their city, they're not getting the Rays, so get used to it.

2.) According to what I read here in the Times, Bayshore Dr would be closed (didn't say if it would be permanently closed, or just on game days). If it's closed permanently, wouldn't that cause the Grand Prix to leave? This would cause them to lose their main stretch of track, the one that has made this track so famous.

Am I against a ballpark downtown? Absolutely not. I think this location (and NOWHERE in Tampa!) would make a magnificent statement that we are serious about baseball as a city, and as a region. It could (and would) instantly become one of the premier ballparks in the country. It has easy access to I-275 via I-175 and I-375 (and by default, the rest of the Bay Area), and while parking would be something to think about, PSTA could help by adding more downtown Loopers during game days.

I love the Trop, and think it's an underrated stadium, especially during T-storms and 90% humidity, 94° days (which happen 3/4 of the baseball season), but all people think of is "baseball's an outdoor sport." I can't agree more, though considering where we live, it's a great alternative. Though, if I'm given views of downtown and the Bay in all their glory, I'm willing to look past the legacy of the Trop and its inevitable demise. So long as the Grand Prix won't be disrupted (and speaking of, could you imagine the Indycars racing by the "famed Rays Stadium" as part of the course? Amazing!), I want to know where I can get my golden shovel and I'll start digging now!!!

[Ken]

WHY build a new stadium? The current one is fine. It is climate controlled. It has parking on site. Worse yet our economy is not doing so well, Floridians are getting crushed financially by taxes, insurance, gas prices and now this too. Projects like this never stay at budget and the taxpayers get to foot the bill. We built them a stadium and it is fine.

[Rene]

My fiance and I are city residents and we LOVE the idea. Yes yes yes!

[Bob]

I'd love a new stadium, especially one with a view. Great idea. But subsidize it with my tax money? No way! The owners make enough money they can build one on their own.

[Paul]

It sounds nice, but who pays for this? I own property in St Pete and I don't want any of my tax dollars going towards a $450 million stadium. If the Rays can fund it on there own, have at it. If you want any of our property tax money, I say forget it! We already pay an unreal amount of taxes, now this? How does this improve the quality of life for anyone in St Pete? It doesn't.

[Steve]

Unless 100% of the cost is footed by the Rays this will be a another public rip-off. Tropicana Field is not even paid for yet! Pathetic.

[RAYS FAN]

i'm sorry but i don't see how this bullhonky coming from the ownership can ever work. imagine trying to funnel traffic through central avenue. think of how bad it is now after the games -- go ahead and multiply that by ten and that's what you get. hell the speed limit is only about 15 mph down central!

they sure do have some nerve asking the taxpayers to finance this colossal waste. not only are we in property tax CRISIS, now it looks as though the ownership will try and make a statement (ultimatum?). if taxpayers don't want to pony up the dough, the team is outta here! how can they expect people to vote for this crap?! wait, they DON'T. they know we'll shoot this down faster than the rays pitchers blow leads.

add injury to insult: the team will stretch a tarp when it rains or gets hot. looking more and more like a double-AA ballclub every day, don't we. ownership makes hundreds of millions and we get to watch our team play under a tarp.

PS. to everyone saying the team can't win unless they move to tampa, shut your piehole. i'm tired of hearing that and it makes no sense.

[Truth]

This had better get turned down by voters in such a strong, united way that the Rays get moved. Hit the bricks you bunch of losers!

I will vote yes for this, if the Rays are required to spend at least 75 Million a year on player salaries. An investment from the taxpayers should be matched by an investment into winning by the Rays.

[Ron]

I will never vote to sell our downtown waterfront to anyone, including the county. Prior St Pete administrations were smart to preserve the waterfront for the use of the citizens. There is no reason to change this for the benefit of a private, for-profit business, whether they pay for the entire thing or not.

[Sean]

If the Rays were a winning team, perhaps. But they aren't. Nobody goes to Rays games anymore. 1/2 of the seats that are filled each game are charity give aways (tax write off). Keep your tropicana field until you can prove yourself. Then build your own new stadium. Better yet, let's get rid of baseball. When the Tampa Bay lightning were in St. Petersburg they had much bigger crowds than the Rays did, and they still moved to Tampa. Show me a good year of baseball and I might be more inclined. Till then, no way, double no way!

[Scott]

A waterfront stadium is exactly what this franchise needs to remain viable. Parking garages can be erected within a few blocks - no one says you have to have a lot attached to the stadium (go check other downtown MLB facilities). The economic windfall to the whole waterfront area cannot be underestimated. Take a look at the impacts in Baltimore, San Francisco, even Pittsburgh. This plan is a win for the Rays and a huge win for St. Petersburg to attract more business investments to its downtown district.

[Ron]

Comparing this to Baltimore or San Francisco is ridiculous. In both cases, the park was used as a catalyst to improve a decrepit part of town. That is not the case in Downtown St. Petersburg. Also, the owners in SF ponied up all of the money to build their stadium. The Rays expect the taxpayers to pay for part of a second stadium for them, when we're still paying for the first one.

[Sal]

"

Here's two points everyone's missing:

1.) According to everyone complaining that they need to move either to Tampa or out of the area, the lease they have with St. Pete states that they MUST stay in St. Pete for the remainder of their lease, unless the city allows them to move. As we all know, that's not going to happen, and since the lease expires in 2027, it won't happen for 20 years. So, despite the cries from the self-centered Tampons who need everything in their city, they're not getting the Rays, so get used to it.

2.) According to what I read here in the Times, Bayshore Dr would be closed (didn't say if it would be permanently closed, or just on game days). If it's closed permanently, wouldn't that cause the Grand Prix to leave? This would cause them to lose their main stretch of track, the one that has made this track so famous.

Am I against a ballpark downtown? Absolutely not. I think this location (and NOWHERE in Tampa!) would make a magnificent statement that we are serious about baseball as a city, and as a region. It could (and would) instantly become one of the premier ballparks in the country. It has easy access to I-275 via I-175 and I-375 (and by default, the rest of the Bay Area), and while parking would be something to think about, PSTA could help by adding more downtown Loopers during game days.

I love the Trop, and think it's an underrated stadium, especially during T-storms and 90% humidity, 94° days (which happen 3/4 of the baseball season), but all people think of is "baseball's an outdoor sport." I can't agree more, though considering where we live, it's a great alternative. Though, if I'm given views of downtown and the Bay in all their glory, I'm willing to look past the legacy of the Trop and its inevitable demise. So long as the Grand Prix won't be disrupted (and speaking of, could you imagine the Indycars racing by the "famed Rays Stadium" as part of the course? Amazing!), I want to know where I can get my golden shovel and I'll start digging now!!!"

You sir are a moron.

[JustJoe]

I don't understand why all of the Tampons feel that they are 'entitled' to have all of the local sports teams play in their retched city. I think the team name should be changed to the St. Pete Rays. To Hell with Tampa!

[S]

It gets plenty hot in New York, St. Louis, and just about everywhere else they play baseball in the summer. Heat is a part of the game. I bet your kids play outdoor games in the heat - why can't the professionals?

Silly argument against an open air stadium...

[B]

The rays are hoping the voters deny the referendum because then they have a reason to move the team to Tampa. The plan is, the voters will deny, and they will threaten to move to Tampa or move out of the area. There is nothing that states they must stay in St. Pete. If the city lets them out of the lease then that's it. They will not play in St. Pete if all goes according to plan.

[Russ]

Horrible idea. St Pete is not a big enough baseball market for a half billion dollar stadium to make sense. There isn't enough parking downtown for an ordinary weekend night, adding 35,000 baseball fans won't help. There isn't enough space at the site. This will create havoc anytime there is any other event at the same time downtown.

The only good news is that I can't see ground breaking on it for 10+ years, at which point the trop will be falling apart and at least paid for.

[R]

Let the revitalization of Downtown St. Petersburg continue. If there is a way to make the parking work then the project should move forward. Look at all the downtown ballparks in mlb and how they have helped the host city prosper through more jobs, increased tourism, & higher revnue for surrounding businesses. I understand people in Hillsborough want the team there but I don't complain when I have to drive to Tampa for Bucs and or Lightning games from St. Pete. Besides, there are 2 direct interstate exits that lead right into downtown st. petersburg & I'm sure folks from Sarasota & other neighboring communities don't mind having the team that serves the entire Tampa Bay Area in St. Petersburg. Give the Rays a chance, it doesn't happen overnight. The new owners are on the right track!!

[AJ]

Great idea! Tropicana Field is outdated, and the property it sits on is highly underutilized. I have no problem with the county selling the land to a developer to put it to its highest and best use a large hotel/conference center (which would also be a tremendous boost to the local economy) with some residential/retail/entertainment mixed in as well. I do have a feeling the county would reserve a portion of the land for a future transit hub. They've been looking for a place to shift the hub from Williams Park for a while, and with light rail and BRT coming within the next 5 to 10 years (it will happen), the stadium site is perfect for those uses.

The $60 million in tax breaks is an uphill battle, but who knows what the political environment will be like next year.

I think Al Lang still has the same level of access as the current site. Folks will just have to drive a few more blocks to the end of I-175. Also, if/when the metro gets rail and BRT going, folks won't have to drive the entire distance to downtown St. Pete if they don't want to.

It's closer to the core of downtown, where most of the action is currently. I think fans might be more inclined to stay after the game or get to the city much earlier to enjoy some of the attractions and restaurants/retail that would be in close proximity to the new site. It would also provide a big boost to an already thriving redevelopment process in downtown St. Pete.

I just wonder how the new stadium will fit on the site. It was mentioned that Bayshore Blvd would be closed. I wonder will it be rerouted toward 1st street maybe, or will it just terminate at the stadium?

At any rate, I hope this gets done!

[Kevin]

Lets Do It! Those of us who have grown up in this city and are committed to it's development in a responsible manner need to get out front and support this. Imagine what a great area the Downtown could be, put a light rail line to the new stadium from Tampa and it would just be alive and beautiful.

[Jeff]

Sorry, great idea, but I'm taxed and insurance billed to the max-see ya!

[Bob]

Step 1: Take the name Tampa Bay off the uniforms. Check.
Step 2: Ask for referendum to build $450 million stadium. Check.
Step 3a: If the voters do it, great. We stay.
Step3 b: If they vote it down, we move to any other city in the US that will take us. The new name, The Rays, will play anywhere. Sunny cities. Bible belt cities. Etc.
Stu's not stupid, but as much as I think it would be cool to have a stadium downtown, I believe it would be irresponsible when there are so many citizens whom are losing their homes or are maxed out due to ridiculous taxes and insurance rates.

OMG. You negative people have to stop. For decades we wanted an MLB team and then instantly built a stadium for one before we even got one. That stadium is sad and outdated immediately. It will be the 6th oldest in baseball after the A's move into their new place. And, let's face it, it lack the charm of the 5-6 before it. That being said, the Rays are finally offering St. Pete the chance to bring something truly beautiful to West Florida and the picturesque shoreline of St. Petersburg. A classically built stadium on Al Land will be a great way to add to and sustain a revitalization of St. Pete. And, if you think people from across the bay won't want to escape their mega malls and strip clubs to come to St. Pete, see a game, visit an art gallery, and eat some good food you're crazy. Quite simply, the new Rays ownership is incredibly smart and proposed the perfect plan to help themselves AND help Bay Area. Listen, look to another baseball movie for the answer. IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY WILL COME. The trick is you got to build it right and build it good and the proposal rocks.

[A reply to the truly uninformed]

Most of the information in this forum that I have read is false, people need to get there facts straight about the team moving. THEY CANNOT until the end of their lease.

[Mike]

I like the Rays and want them to stay in the area (scratch that...in St. Pete) but I cannot imagine where 34,ooo people will park downtown. That's upwards of 10-15 thousand cars. Look at 1st Ave. S. and I-275 when the Sox or Yank-mes are in town as it is. I bike everywhere myself so personally I would find it convenient. It would certainly look beautiful, especially from the air, but does it really make sense?

[David]

A CRY TO THE RAYS FRONT OFFICE: PLEASE DON'T DO THIS!!!!!
please move the stadium to Tampa!!!!!!!

[Adam]

Wow... all this bread to spend on a new home. I wonder why we still can't sign a free agent who is worth his weight in pennies.

$35 million in revenue sharing dollars.... $24 million payroll. You don't have to be a math teach to figure out the money ISN'T going toward the team. I bet Sternberg has a REALLY nice car.

[RAYS FAN]

hey adam, yeah, i'm sure he has SEVERAL nice cars. and homes all around the world. except in st. pete. truly an absentee owner who doesn't care about the area and only wants suckers to buy into his inane drivel so he can make bank.

[john]

Okay, so let the ticket prices pay for the stadium. . . oh I forgot you can't sell tickets for a LOSER!

[PoBoy]

I'm so glad that Jamie Bennett (the lawn man) is on top of things.

Lemme' see... The paint's barely broke-in on the "contamina-dome" and we're talking about paying a losing ball club to move into new digs?

No roof = high temps and high humidity with a location right on Tampa Bay in the heat of the summer. The Devil Rays organization is saving money on the electricity and sacrificing you and Me.

Hey Jamie... why not take care of your prior commitments to public safety. Your town has slid so far down the slippery slope that one hates to drive through the south side without a sidearm.

I can't wait to hear the good mayor weigh in on this one. The impetus for a new book maybe??

[Dave]

Hey what does Al Gore think about the global warming impact of this move? Why drive 20,000 fans to a game? What an unneeded impact on the world. According to predictions the place will be under water soon due to this type of waistful thinking...

[Wilbur]

Everyone complains about the heat in Florida in the summertime? Have you ever went to a game in the Midwest in July? One of the hottest games I've ever attended was a double header at Wrigley. It routinely is 90 plus degrees in Detroit, Chicago, St. Louis, Kansas City, Arlington, TX., Cleveland, NY, etc, Atlanta. Quit being babies and go to the game. They will make a killing selling you sunscreen!!

[Al]

If the Rays break .500 and begin to look like pennant winners, the Trop will suddenly look like the Taj Mahal. Meanwhile, except when the Red Sox or Yankees are in town, the Rays' hometown crowd can fit into the EXISTING Al Lang Stadium with no difficulty and no fiscal hemorrhage. From there you can watch the bay, the boats, etc. and gaze at Tampa across the water, knowing they wish THEY had a MLB team.

[Holy Crap]

I find it true to form for the City Council to bend over backwards to assist a bunch of millionaires in making more money.
This is the same City Council that cries poverty when it comes to a meager pay raise for the Police Department and the Fire Department. Oh, I forgot, the Fire Department has been at impasse for how many years now?
Holy Crap City Council get your priorities in line!
If the Rays want an outdoor stadium let them play at Al Lang now.
See if they can fill that park every game, and win more than a hand full of games.
If it gets hot, they can go to Home Depot and get all the tarps they need.

[Baylink]

Commenter Tim says they have his full support.

You're going to chip in the other $300 million?

How nice of you, Tim.