Pinellas County threatens to pull stadium funding if Rays leave for 2025-2027 seasons
23% of the new stadium funding is now at risk.
The Rays currently have no idea where they will play next season following the destruction of Tropicana Field’s roof and the flooding of the ballpark, but that hasn’t stopped Pinellas County from putting their thumb on the scales.
According to Mark Parker at the St Pete Catalyst, the governing Pinellas County Commission — which pledged to fund 23% of the Rays new stadium — has delayed a vote that would have initiated the funding process for $312.5 million toward the $1.37 billion ballpark.
The problem appears to be the team’s present lack of commitment to continue playing games in Pinellas County for the next three seasons:
Commissioner Chris Latvala motioned to delay the vote until the team answered that question, which could have jeopardized stadium plans and the surrounding $6.7 billion Historic Gas Plant District redevelopment project.
“One could make the argument that they’re (the Rays) kind of violating the spirit of the agreement that we approved two months ago if they go across the bridge or go to Disney World to play for the next three years,” Latvala said. “If the hurricanes hit three years from now, they would have to play their games in Pinellas County.”
The County approved the plan to allocate funds in a vote of 5-2 on July 30; however, the issuance of bonds to fund the $312.5 million must be separately approved in a vote that will now occur on November 19.
There are several other complications as well.
Commissioner Janet Long will retire prior to November 19, and it’s not immediately clear if her position will be filled prior to Nov. 19 following the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Additionally, Commissioner Charlie Justice — a supporter of stadium funding — is up for re-election. He was the lone vote against delaying the bond issuance this week.
So among the seven Commissioners, there are two no votes, one seat guaranteed to be replaced, and one up for re-election. Even if the Rays committed to staying in Pinellas County — presumably by committing to play home games at the Spring Training complex for the Phillies or Blue Jays, or by renovating downtown St. Petersburg’s Al Lang Field or the ruined Tropicana Field — the Rays could still face four No votes by November 19.
Pinellas County’s contribution to the new Rays stadium will be backed by expected revenues from the county’s hotel tax collection, which also pays for beach re-nourishment and tourism promotion. The recent hurricanes have been devastating for many Pinellas County beach communities. Whether hotel tax revenues meet expectations will depend on how quickly places like Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach recover.
If the bonds are not issued in a timely manner, the July 30 approval has an automatic termination provision of March 31, 2025.