Rays won't move forward with plan for new park

Tampa Bay Rays owner Stuart Sternberg announced Thursday the club won't proceed with its proposed plan for a new ballpark.

"After careful deliberation, we have concluded we cannot move forward with the new ballpark and development project at this moment. A series of events beginning in October that no one could have anticipated led to this difficult decision," Sternberg said in a statement.

In December, both the Pinellas County Commission and St. Petersburg City Council voted in favor of helping to finance a $1.3-billion ballpark to keep the Rays in the Tampa Bay area for another 30 years.

Tropicana Field, the Rays' current home, suffered severe hurricane damage last fall. Tampa Bay will play all 2025 home games at a minor-league park owned by the New York Yankees as a result.

"Our commitment to the vitality and success of the Rays organization is unwavering," Sternberg added. "We continue to focus on finding a ballpark solution that serves the best interests of our region, Major League Baseball, and our organization.

"The City of St. Petersburg is currently advancing plans to restore Tropicana Field for the 2026 season. We are thankful for their efforts and are excited to return to our home field next spring."

It was recently reported that MLB commissioner Rob Manfred and some team owners are pushing Sternberg to sell the Rays to one of several interested groups.

Sternberg reportedly needed to meet several obligations by March 31 if the proposed plan for a new stadium was to move forward.

"Major League Baseball remains committed to finding a permanent home for the club in the Tampa Bay region for their fans and the local community," MLB said in a statement, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.

"Commissioner Manfred understands the disappointment of the St. Petersburg community from today's announcement, but he will continue to work with elected officials, community leaders, and Rays officials to secure the club's future in the Tampa Bay region.”

Tropicana Field has hosted Rays games since 1998.