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12/3/07 The Rays Propose a New Waterfront Ballpark and
Redevelopment of Tropicana Field Site
On November 28, 2007,
the Rays’ principal owner Stuart Sternberg announced plans for a new
34,000 seat, retractable-roof, open-air ballpark along St. Petersburg’s
waterfront, at the site of historic Al Lang Field. If the project comes to
fruition, it would be the largest redevelopment project in the history of
downtown St. Petersburg.
At the press
conference at historic Al Lang Field, the Rays introduced renderings of the
proposed ballpark, which would provide an intimate baseball venue and offer
sweeping views of St. Petersburg’s picturesque waterfront. A new
mixed-use community would be developed at the Tropicana Field site;
including residential buildings, street level retail with shopping
opportunities and restaurants, and parks and open spaces.
The Rays have pledged
$150-million toward the new ballpark. In addition, the Rays pledged no new
taxes or diversion of existing taxes and a partnership with city and county
governments.
The waterfront
ballpark and Tropicana Field redevelopment projects are estimated by the
Rays to bring more than $1-billion in investment to St. Petersburg, create
thousands of construction and permanent jobs, and generate tens of millions
of dollars in increased tax revenue. “These twin development projects
will be a significant economic development engine, drawing visitors from
around the region into the heart of downtown, and extending greater
economic opportunity into Midtown and beyond,” stated Michael Kalt,
Rays Senior Vice President of Development and Business Affairs.
The Rays have
established a web site www.majorleaguedowntown.com for the project that
includes an overview of the project, artist renderings, videos, a virtual
tour and a timeline for project completion. In addition, fans and community
residents have the opportunity to sign up for email updates on the project.
“Public input must play a key role in all aspects of this
process,” said Rays President Matt Silverman. “The
majorleaguedowntown.com website will document the progress of these
projects and help the community stay informed and be an active participant
as we move forward.”
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