You’ve surely heard that the Rays will likely be sold to a Jacksonville developer-led group. The $1.7 billion deal is expected to close as early as September.
Now let’s discuss the deluge of aftereffects the change of hands could have:
How does this impact the stadium situation?
The short answer is we don’t know. It undoubtedly will in many many ways. Patrick Zalupski — the new Stu — reportedly wants to build a new stadium in Tampa, and permanently move the team over the bridge.
But Hillsborough County might not have the dough, while Pinellas County could finance part of the new facility using bed tax dollars. However, one Hillsborough County Commissioner hypothesized the stadium could be paid for with “more “creative, long-term” funding strategy that includes tourist tax dollars, user fees and entertainment district revenue,” reported WTSP.
In addition, though St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch said he was done negotiating with the current owners on a Sunshine City stadium, he could be willing to work with Zalupski’s group.
Plus, a new ownership group means a different pot of cash. We’ve yet to see how much the prospective owners would pay toward a new stadium.
What about the Rowdies?
Good question. Stu Sternberg and co. also own our local MLS club. The Tampa Bay Business reports that the team will be sold to the new ownership group as part of the deal.
The Rowdies’ lease on Al Lang Stadium runs through November, but the team was trying to extend the contract. The team could reportedly follow the Rays over the bridge too.
