Can someone pay for an $892 million ballpark?
Wednesday, 3 a.m.
Say this for the Rays' proposed new stadium: It's as shiny as a bag of dimes.
On the other hand, the question of where those dimes comes from remain unanswered.
This, as they say, is the easy part. Ever since the Rays focused on the site in Ybor City for its new stadium, it was a simple thing, really, to draw up stadium concepts.
And while a translucent roof and see-through walls, may look pretty enough, the big question remains. How, and who, is supposed to pay the $892 million price of the stadium?
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Sternberg likes the proposed stadium../CARMEN MANDATO
“I’m proud and incredibly excited to present our vision of a ballpark and one that is of, by and for the people of Tampa Bay,” said team owner Stu Sternberg. “I speak for the whole Rays organization and the 20 years we’ve had here today that we expect to be here for generations to come. We believe that baseball can not only survive but thrive in Tampa, in Tampa Bay and the Tampa Bay region.”
The ballpark would be the smallest (the team uses the phrase "most intimate") in Major League Baseball, with 28,216 fixed seats and a total capacity of 30,842. A small upper level creates the closest vantage point of any modern ballpark, with a maximum distance of 204 feet from the field. Fans choose from 17 comfortable, unique seating areas, or 21 distinct viewing platforms and social gathering spaces. These areas are connected by a 360-degree concourse featuring complete views of the playing field.
Oh, and there are no catwalks.
The Ybor location is within a 30-minute drive of over 1.6 million people who call the Tampa Bay area home. The ballpark is projected to cost $809 million with additional infrastructure costs of $83 million and could be complete for Opening Day 2023. Fans can view the proposed ballpark at ballparkreimagined.com.
The team says the park could be ready for 2023.
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