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St. Petersburg, FL - St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch confirmed that his office is open to negotiating a possible extension of the Tampa Bay Rays’ lease agreement at Tropicana Field.
The current lease is set to expire in 2028.
A spokesperson for the mayor said Welch plans to speak with the team’s new ownership about its future in the Tampa Bay region, which may include keeping the team in St. Petersburg beyond the current lease term.
City officials said there are no active discussions taking place yet between the new owners and the city regarding a lease extension.
The team is expected to return to Tropicana Field for the upcoming season, with stadium repairs nearing completion and ticket sales underway.
Local business owners welcomed the news. Mark Ferguson, who owns Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill near the stadium, said business dropped about 30% during the season without home games but expressed optimism the team will remain in St. Petersburg.
Rays CEO Ken Babby said the organization is conducting feasibility studies at several sites across the region but is currently focused on preparing for Opening Day.
City Councilmember Richie Floyd said officials must plan for Tropicana Field’s long-term future, adding that any new agreement should benefit the community without large public subsidies.
Proposals to redevelop the Historic Gas Plant District have also been delayed to allow more developers time to submit plans.