Colleen Wright journalist of TampaBay.com discusses St. Pete Council approval of new Tampa Bay Rays stadium & the long journey to get there
- Council Votes & Reactions
- Recent council decisions were expected, with minor changes to environmental & sustainability language
- The council vote went as expected, with a 5-3 split
- Strengthened language in the contract aimed to ensure implementation of standards, not just aspirations
- Mat watched the council meeting & acknowledged the valid concerns raised
- Contract Language & Concerns
- Tweaks were made to tighten the deal, particularly concerning the resale of publicly owned land
- Concerns about "Rays or Hines affiliates" receiving property without clear definitions
- Council member, pushed for clearer contract terms & transparency
- Development Timeline
- Stadium completion targeted by 2028
- 300 affordable housing units are expected by 2030
- Full development build-out will span 30 years
- The stadium will remain county-owned, with the Rays controlling broadcasting, naming rights, concessions, & ticket revenues
- Discussion on the financial benefits for Rays' owner, Stu Sternberg, including the potential increase in team valuation with the new stadium
- Community Impact & Long-Term Vision
- The deal has mixed reactions, with some community members & groups wanting a more equitable deal
- Concerns over future enforceability of contract terms
- Importance of written contracts for ensuring commitments are met over time
- The development will include a fresh food market, though its completion is not legally required until 2045
- The project is subject to various permits & zoning changes, with groundbreaking expected in 2025
- The importance of timely development to avoid losing the Rays as a key part of the project
- The project is expected to significantly impact the area, with phased developments over 30 years
- Continued scrutiny & clear contractual terms are crucial for the project's success & community satisfaction
- Kudos to Colleen Wright & St Pete Times team for their coverage of the Rays
- Stu Sternberg’s longstanding commitment to St. Pete
Thanks to Mat Germain for bringing his knowledge, wit and wisdom to the show. You can catch more of Mat on Twitter x.com @Mat_Germain_
Mark can be found on Twitter x.com @TheBaseballBiz & and at http://www.baseballbizondeck.com
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