Imagine taking in a ballgame from this perch. | Rendering via the Tampa Bay Rays
It’s (mostly) official — the Tampa Bay Rays are staying in St. Pete.
The Rays, the City of St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, and other community leaders gathered on Tuesday, Sept. 19 to announce a finalized deal to build a brand-new $1.3 billion stadium in St. Pete — part of larger $6.5 billion project to redevelop the Gas Plant District.
“Today we celebrate coming to terms on an agreement to make that plan a reality. Major League Baseball is here to stay,” said Rays principal owner Stuart Sternberg at the Tropicana Field announcement. “Today we take a huge step forward in ensuring that Rays fans will be here in Tampa Bay for generations and generations to come.”
Where’s the money coming from?
Pinellas County will contribute about $300 million from bed tax dollars + St. Pete will contribute another $300 million through various revenue sources, Mayor Ken Welch said at a press conference.
The Rays will pay about $700 million of the total stadium pricetag — plus any overage.
The redevelopment will transform the 86-acres of the Historic Gas Plant District.
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Rendering by Gensler
What do the stadium + Historic Gas Plant District redevelopment plans look like?
30,000-seat stadium featuring a pavilion-style fixed roof, air conditioning, and some windows
5,000+ housing units (including affordable and senior housing)
A concert venue
A hotel
Office/medical space
A new Woodson African American Museum of Florida
Enhancements to the St. Petersburg African American Heritage Trail
14 acres of public parks, recreation, and open space
What does the timeline look like?
Leaders will meet with St. Pete City Council members in October to go through term papers — for both the stadium and the surrounding development, said Rob Gerdes, St. Pete city administrator. Then the city will work out numerous agreements + the decision will come back to the council early next year for a final vote.
Similarly, the initial term sheet will be brought to the Pinellas County Commission in October, added Barry`Burton, the county’s administrator. Other agreements and necessary documents will follow.
Pending city and county approval, construction is expected to start in late 2024, with the Rays taking the field in 2028.
Asked
Which part of the mixed-use neighborhood are you most excited for?
A. The entertainment venue B. The hotel and apartments C. The new Woodson African American Museum of Florida D. The public parks
Community Conversations | Wednesday, Sept. 20 | 7 p.m. | Tombolo Books, 2153 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg | Free | Take in a screening of the documentary “Underground History” followed by a discussion moderated by Gwendolyn Reese, president of the African American Heritage Association — RSVP requested.
Thursday, Sept. 21
Nightly Spirits Ghost Tour and Haunted Pub Crawl | Thursday, Sept. 21-Tuesday, Oct. 31 | 12 a.m. | Tampa Bay Brewing Co., 1600 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa | $29.95 | Don your spookiest costume and head to Ybor City to follow in the path of deceased rum runners — tour is for those 21 and older.
Sangria and Stories | Thursday, Sept. 21 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Tampa Bay History Center, 801 Old Water St., Tampa | $20 | Enjoy a glass of Columbia Restaurant’s sangria + listen to artist John Costin explain the inspiration and process behind his artwork featured in Etched Feathers.
Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff | Thursday, Sept. 21 | 7-9 p.m. | Wepa House, 8140 W. Waters Ave., Tampa | $0-$20 | Wepa House owner and instructor Steph Delfino will lead a salsa class with a social mixer after.
Friday, Sept. 22
SZA: SOS Tour | Friday, Sept. 22 | 8 p.m. | Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Dr., Tampa | $235-$1,595 | The R&B superstar plays Amalie on her sophomore album tour.
Saturday, Sept. 23
Creepy Crawl 5K Run & Walk | Saturday, Sept. 23 | 9-11:30 a.m. | Vinoy Waterfront Park, 701 Bayshore Dr. N.E., St. Petersburg | Free | Help raise money for the Bleeding Disorders Foundation of Florida + enjoy food, games, prizes, special guests, and dress up as your favorite superhero for the walkathon.
Aw shucks. The New York Times just added Salt Shack on the Bay to its “Restaurant List” which features the 50 restaurants its editors are most excited about right now. The outlet applauded the waterfront oasis’ amazing seafood and noted that Jimmy Buffett would have approved. (Creative Loafing)
Civic
The Historic Jackson House restoration is moving forward. The City of Tampa + 717 Parking recently agreed to a proposed land swap that would allow the long-awaited restoration to start. Once the deal is approved by city council and other conditions are met, the segregation-era boarding house would be turned into a Black history museum. (Tampa Bay Times)
Sports
Speaking of the Rays, postseason tickets go on sale next Wednesday, Sept. 27. Register as a Rays Insiderto clinch presale eligibility by Sunday, Sept. 24
Announced
Hockey is almost back, TBAY. The Lightning kick off the 2023-2024 season with an all-day party. Celebrate the home opener on Tuesday, Oct. 10, at GAME ONE from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. — featuring a blue carpet walk and a free pre-game performance by Grammy Award-winning artist, Big Boi. (That’s So Tampa)
Coming Soon
Calling Flatbread & Butter devotees. The popular Uptown spot is expanding into nextdoor space. The renovation will double the coffee shop + cafe’s footprint and allow owners to add a wine room and new menu options. (I Love the Burg)
Finance
Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*
Health
Menopausal symptoms can show up as early as your mid-30s. Test your hormones + walk through your results with a specialist with Wellcore’s $99 At-Home Assessment Kit.*
Shop
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Seasonal
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Tech
Last week, Apple unveiled the Apple Watch 9 — which means you can get a great deal on the Apple Watch 8. Snag it for Amazon’s lowest price in 30 days.
Wellness
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Eat
The Bentgo stackable lunch box includes two stackable containers, built-in silverware, and dividers to snugly fit food portions into individual compartments.
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