St. Petersburg leaders discuss terms for Rays stadium funding

ST.PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — St. Petersburg city council members are deciding whether to fund a portion of the Tampa Bay Rays’ new stadium. City leaders want their investment in the team to be obvious around the new $1.3 billion dollar facility. Council member Gina Driscoll suggested switching the team’s name to the ‘St.

Petersburg Rays’. The idea elicited mixed emotions from team followers. “I like the idea of St. Petersburg as a city having more ownership themselves,” a fan said. Another argued, “TB, Tampa Bay, is such a big brand, no only Rays fans but sports and baseball and in general. I just don’t really see it, I think Tampa Bay is a great name and if it’s not broke don’t fix it.” “There will not be a new ballpark, nor a development project if there is a requirement to change our franchises’ name,” Rays President Brian Auld said.

City council ultimately struck down the name change. Thursday, council members will hear a report with suggestions to recognize their investment of millions of tax dollars in the new facility. The proposal includes: Families who live in the city say taxpayer contributions should be recognized. Resident Scott Kelley said, “It’s not the partner of Tampa, it’s not the ugly stepchild of Tampa.

It’s its own great city and deserves to get that recognition.” City council will hear the report during their meeting scheduled for 9 a.m. Thursday..