City Council Approves Tampa Bay Rays and Hines Stadium and Historic Gas Plant District

New stadium, who this? Yes, the Tampa Bay Rays franchise’s home base is getting a major overhaul, which was just approved on Thursday. The City Council approves the Tampa Bay Rays and Hines new stadium as well as Historic Gas Plant District.

Colleen Wright of the Tampa Bay Times broke the exciting news. Wright reports,

“In a 5-3 vote, St. Petersburg has a deal. Chambers applaud as City Council approved 12 legally binding agreements with Pinellas County, the Tampa Bay Rays and development partner Hines for a new stadium and redevelopment, to be called the Historic Gas Plant District.”

Now if you are wondering what this new ballpark and the surrounding community will be like. The Rays were kind enough to reveal a few details.

City Council Approves Tampa Bay Rays and Hines Stadium and Historic Gas Plant District

Regarding the redevelopment as well as new stadium plans, the Rays state,

“The Hines Historic Gas Plant Partnership has proposed a vision that incorporates the City’s goals for a vibrant, placemaking mixed-use village that will become St. Petersburg’s next great place to live, work and play – for everyone. The project will be completed in multiple phases.

This project is about much more than a ballpark – it’s the creation of a vibrant neighborhood with a ballpark at its heart. St. Petersburg’s love affair with baseball dates back well over a century, and the development of a new ballpark for the Rays represents the next chapter St. Petersburg’s baseball history – ensuring it will remain one of the unique 26 communities with an MLB team.

With a capacity of approximately 30,000, the new ballpark will be a true community gathering place. The venue will be an open and accessible component of the public realm year-round. Its spaces will be used for civic events, graduations, concerts and festivals, passive recreation and championship Rays baseball.

Second Avenue South will be lined with exciting stores, restaurants and unique gathering spaces, creating a festive block-party experience when the Rays play at home. The fully enclosed and air-conditioned ballpark will with its mobile walls will line exterior-facing businesses to “bring the outside in.” The unique roof design also captures the essence of a “Pavilion” – a keystone of Florida-style architecture known for its flexibility.

Three seating levels will feature a variety of comfortable seating types from premium clubs and suites to flexible viewing areas, decks, and social gathering spaces for all fans. Modern amenities and the latest technologies will provide unmatched viewing experiences and family-friendly activities will include an aquarium exhibit and multiple kid-zones.”

Awesome. Well, the project can now get underway. The Rays plan to begin construction in January 2025 to have it ready for Opening Day 2028.

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