The uncertain bid to obtain more than $300 million in public funding by the Tampa Bay Rays is now facing delays. It doesn’t look certain that they will meet their target.
Rays responded to a procedural delay regarding approval of the necessary bonds in a letter to Pinellas County Commissioner. That letter claims that vote delays have made it impossible for them to stick to the original timeline.
Originally, the stadium was slated to be unveiled in the 2028 season. The letter, signed by team presidents Brian Auld and Matt Silverman, says that the Rays “stand ready to work on a new solution with any and all willing partners.”
Here is a part of that letter.
“That resolution was a formality to be adopted by the commission that approved the project in July, and it was known and accepted that this adoption was needed prior to the Nov. 5 election for the 2028 timeline to be met.”
Country commissioners were slated to vote on a $312.5 million bond payment on Tuesday. However, the proceedings have been delayed to Dec 17.
At one time it looked like a done deal to keep the Rays in St. Petersburg. However, there were two major hurricanes that struck the region earlier this year. One hurricane tore the roof of Tropicana Field and demanded expensive repairs. Also, the November elections changed the composition of the Pinellas county board.
Due to this change in the country board, the proposed stadium bonds face odds of approval regardless of when the final vote takes place.
In response to this news, St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch released a statement. He has been an advocate of funding the project.
Here is what he said.
“We appreciate the County Commission’s partnership and today’s discussion of their participation in funding a new Rays stadium. We believe the economic fundamentals, and the long-term benefits of the agreements approved in July by all parties, remain valid. We are focused on moving forward with fulfilling our obligations under the existing use agreement. Partnership has always been key to this plan, and the success of the plan going forward largely depends on the commitment of our partners to those agreements. We will continue to work with our partners towards that successful outcome.”
Well, we don’t know what Dec 17 will bring, but one thing is certain it won’t be easy for the Rays.