This project is about much more than a ballpark – it's the creation of a vibrant neighborhood with a ballpark at its heart. Through thoughtful, inclusive processes and our intentional equity plan, we have the opportunity to generate ongoing benefits for the community of South St. Petersburg.
St. Petersburg’s love affair with baseball dates back well over a century, and the development of a new ballpark for the Rays represents the next chapter St. Petersburg’s baseball history - ensuring it will remain one of the unique 26 communities with an MLB team.
With a capacity of approximately 30,000, the new ballpark will be a true community gathering place. The venue will be an open and accessible component of the public realm year-round. Its spaces will be used for civic events, graduations, concerts and festivals, passive recreation and championship Rays baseball.
The fully enclosed and air-conditioned ballpark will ensure comfort and protection from the elements while maintaining the ability to seamlessly integrate with the surrounding environment. Transparent, mobile walls will line exterior-facing businesses to “bring the outside in.” The unique roof design also captures the essence of a “Pavilion” – a keystone of Florida-style architecture known for its flexibility.
The entire ballpark will be intentionally designed as a gathering place where everyone feels welcome on event and non-event days, uniting the Tampa Bay region and connecting diverse, multi-generational fans.
Three seating levels will feature a variety of comfortable seating types from premium clubs and suites to flexible viewing areas, decks, and social gathering spaces for all fans. Modern amenities and the latest technologies will provide unmatched viewing experiences and family-friendly activities will include an aquarium exhibit and multiple kid-zones.
The ballpark will be fully integrated with the surrounding development and adjacent neighborhoods. Gameday experiences will spill out of the park when the team plays at home and remain active and welcoming to the community on non-game days.
Second Avenue South will be lined with exciting stores, restaurants and unique gathering spaces, creating a festive block-party experience when the Rays play at home.
Almost 40% of Rays game attendees come from outside of the Tampa Bay area, with more than half of those fans traveling from out-of-state. These attendees drive tourism, room nights and economic activity. As the district expands into a true destination, the team's tourism impact is sure to grow exponentially.
The Hines Historic Gas Plant Partnership has proposed a vision that incorporates the City’s goals for a vibrant, placemaking mixed-use village that will become St. Petersburg’s next great place to live, work and play – for everyone. The project will be completed in multiple phases.
Hines is one of the largest privately held real estate developers, investors and managers in the world, operating in 30 countries and with a 66-year track record (39 years in Florida) spanning 1,555 properties and $94.6 billion in assets under management.
With an extensive track record of undertaking and executing large scale placemaking projects, their portfolio includes high-performing assets across residential, logistics, retail, office and mixed-use strategies.
Here To Stay Podcast Series:
Join us for our new weekly ‘Here to Stay’ podcast series, where guests closest to the Historic Gas Plant District development project share their insight and information. Follow along and explore how we got here and what the future holds for the Rays, the city of St. Petersburg, and the Tampa Bay area as a whole.
Are you interested in what the Historic Gas Plant District development means to the surrounding community? Don’t just take our word for it - read letters of support for the project submitted by the individuals and organizations that will be impacted the most.
A recent survey conducted among active, registered voters in the area sheds light on the community's support for the proposed development project. Read more
President Esther Matthews led the city’s process to vet the project for enough community benefits. Read more
Fostering a fan base requires time. The team is now in its 26th season, and Millennials who once rooted for other teams before the first home opening in 1998 are now raising children. Those kids will grow up with Rays baseball in St. Petersburg. Read more
While a new Tampa Bay Rays ballpark will look decidedly different from Tropicana Field, the new digs will feature one reimagined mainstay – a stingray touch tank accessible year-round. Read more
Mike Swesey, the president and CEO of the St. Petersburg Area Economic Development Corporation, sheds light on how the development can help the area advance from singles and doubles to consistent home runs in economic development. Read more
The Hines-Rays Historic Gas Plant Development proposal is a thoughtful, responsible approach to honoring the past, fulfilling unmet promises, creating a world-class community development and securing the future of our Major League Baseball franchise. Read more
The Tampa Bay Rays recently announced a $1.2 billion deal for a new stadium that will anchor $6 billion in mixed-use development. The project will help St. Petersburg step out of Tampa’s shadow on the national stage, making it a true destination in its own right. Read more.
World Wrestling Entertainment's (WWE) Royal Rumble drew a record-breaking crowd to Tropicana Field Jan. 27 and bolstered sales for most hospitality businesses in St. Petersburg's surrounding Edge District. Read more
If the City of St. Pete wants to become its best amidst the influx of people, businesses, and investments - it needs the Tampa Bay Rays, and the two need to grow together. Read more
Stay connected and follow along in our progress with any of the communication tools below. And, as always, Rays Up!
Email: [email protected]
*All numbers are estimates based on current market trends.
