Tropicana Field

Negotiations are coming down to the wire over an agreement that would transform Tropicana Field into a major development, crowned with a new stadium, with a vote coming this week.

St. Petersburg City Council members voted 5-3 to move forward with the plan to redevelop the Historic Gas Plant District. A final vote is scheduled for July 11.

The deal to redevelop Tropicana Field into a mini city-within-a-city took one step closer to reality Wednesday. St. Petersburg City Council members appear to back the plan — with some revisions. Their first vote is Thursday.

The 30,000-seat stadium would include an open feel, including a pavilion, and is envisioned as a multi-purpose facility that could be used for concerts and festivals.

Several community and advocacy groups gathered on the steps of St. Petersburg City Hall to voice concerns on the redevelopment plan nearing final approval by local officials.

During a workshop with the Rays-Hines partnership, City Council members asked about affordable housing, jobs, a timeline and reconnecting the site with neighborhoods.

St. Petersburg City Council members will offer comment on a document that outlines how the Tropicana Field site will be redeveloped.

With many games held without fans or with limited crowds because of pandemic restrictions, larger incentives tied to publicly funded stadiums and arenas in Florida posted negative returns.

The taxpayer research institute identified two potential risks: one if the new stadium is built and one if it's not.

Tampa Bay hosts Toronto, and the Trop is sold out for Game 1 of 162. Can the Rays reach the postseason for the sixth straight season? Typically, the experts aren't sure, but no one is calling them an underdog, either.

The issue of a new ballpark for the Tampa Bay Rays been debated for decades. And in the next few months, make-or-break decisions will be made on the redevelopment plans.

The issue of a new ballpark for the Tampa Bay Rays been debated for decades. And in the next few months, make-or-break decisions will be made on the redevelopment plans.