No ball at Tropicana Field in 2026 after Milton; new ballpark deal dies: Tampa Bay Rays
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — The Tampa Bay Rays may be saying farewell to Pinellas County. Team President Brian Auld sees no path for a new ballpark in St. Petersburg, Florida.
"We need to establish that no, there is not (a deal). We can't make the terms of the last one work because we can't get the ballpark built in time for the 2028 season," Auld said.
Auld also doesn't see a path forward to playing at Tropicana Field in time for the 2026 season because of the damage from Hurricane Milton.
"We are looking at a 2026 situation where the city is trying to have the stadium ready, and we have to make alternative plans and all the cost that come with that. That is actually more problematic for us. That's why we've been working on trying to get to a settlement," Auld said. "I'm very concerned that when you look at a building with already 10 years past its intended use of life and start looking at its interior, there could be issues that aren't even related to the hurricane that we have to manage."
The St. Petersburg City Council has decided not to approve over $23 million to repair Tropicana Field after Hurricane Milton destroyed the roof on the home of the Tampa Bay Rays.
The council originally voted 4-3 to approve the repairs but later reversed course and decided not to approve them after hearing what Audl told reporters during the council meeting recess.
Auld said he blames commissioners for the delayed vote, which he said makes the cost of a new stadium more expensive. Auld sent a letter to commissioners warning them the team would not pay for any overruns.
"The county does not want this deal to move forward. We cannot keep having people move down here, signing contracts, spending our money when it's pretty clear that there is a negative vote in our favor at the county right now," said Auld.
The council also delayed a vote about issuing bonds, or borrowing money, to help pay for its portion of the new stadium. However, the city administrator said they are waiting for Auld's legal team to send a formal request to terminate the contract for a new ballpark.
RELATED VIDEO: The city council previously approved the repairs before walking back the vote. The report above was on the initial decision
This follows a decision from earlier this week by the Pinellas County Commission to delay until December a vote on bonds needed to finance the new planned ballpark for the Rays.
The goal for St. Petersburg city leaders was to have the Tropicana ready for the 2026 season.
Mayor Kenneth Welch sent a statement after Thursday's decisions:
“While we are disappointed that we are pausing the repair of Tropicana Field and the bond issuance that would finance the city’s contribution to a new stadium, we believe there remains a path forward. My administration is prepared to bring a modified plan back to City Council for their consideration. However, I want to make it clear that this plan will not include additional funds from the City. We maintain our position that the Historic Gas Plant District is an equitable economic driver that will benefit future generations. Ultimately, we remain committed to carrying out our contractual obligations and stand ready to work with our partners in the weeks ahead.”
Auld doesn't see the team leaving Tampa Bay even though it appears their future in St. Petersburg hangs in the balance.
"We want to stay in Tampa Bay. It has been our goal from day one. It continues to be our goal," Auld said.
The Rays will play next season at Steinbrenner Field, the New York Yankees' spring training facility in Tampa, Florida.