(Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
The Tampa Bay Rays have traditionally had some of the lowest attendance numbers in MLB.
This is despite being one of the most consistently entertaining teams in the league.
Their stadium, Tropicana Field, has been widely criticized for years.
Its distance from downtown, design, and other elements make it one of the most unpopular among fans.
The Rays, however, together with the league, announced that they will begin construction of a new stadium soon.
The idea is to have it ready for Opening Day in 2028.
“The Rays have announced a new stadium deal for St. Petersburg. The new stadium is planned to be ready for Opening Day in 2028,” MLB on FOX tweeted, with pictures of the renderings.
The Rays have announced a new stadium deal for St. Petersburg. The new stadium is planned to be ready for Opening Day in 2028.
via @RaysBaseball pic.twitter.com/rp90YZ5ztu
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) September 19, 2023
Like Tropicana Field, it will be a fixed dome; and like Tropicana Field, it will be in St. Petersburg.
The distance from Tampa will remain a problem, but team officials are confident that a new stadium with a better, more modern design will attract more fans.
The league has been operating with 30 teams for 25 years, but they have been talking about their desire to expand for years.
To do that, they had to solve glaring issues in Oakland and Tampa Bay, and this announcement makes sure the Rays stay in Florida and the league can now start plotting an expansion.
The new stadium has a projected $1.2 billion cost, and it will have 30,000 seats.
It will be part of a larger, 86-acre redevelopment of St. Petersburg’s Gas Plant District.
With the A’s going and the Rays staying, the league can now seriously evaluate all expansion proposals.
The post Rays Show Off Upcoming New Stadium appeared first on The Cold Wire.
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