Tampa Bay Rays Withdraw From Planned 1.3 Billion Ballpark In St. Petersburg, Citing Storms, Delays

The Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday withdrew from a 1.3 billion ballpark project , citing hurricanes and delays that likely will drive up the proposal's cost.

The team issued a statement by principal owner Stuart Sternberg saying that "a series of events" in October, which included severe damage to the existing Tropicana Field and financing delays, led to what he called "this difficult decision."

"After careful deliberation, we have concluded we cannot move forward with the new ballpark and development project at this moment," Sternberg said.

Displaced from the Trop in St. Petersburg, the Rays are set to play this season's home games across Tampa Bay at the New York Yankees' spring training home, 11,000-seat Steinbrenner Field . Meanwhile, repairs are envisioned to the Trop, including replacing its roof shredded by Hurricane Milton, that would have it ready for the 2026 season.

Under their current contract with the city of St. Petersburg, the Rays would play three more seasons at their existing ballpark after it is repaired . Beyond that, the team's future in the Tampa Bay area is uncertain. MLB and the Rays could evaluate attendance and fan interest during the team's season in Tampa at Steinbrenner Field as they consider alternate sites.