Approved - New Rays Stadium, St. Pete Council says YES 5 to 3

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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