
Last week, the Tampa Bay Rays got great news about their new stadium when the city councilman voted 5-3 to advance to a final vote. that will take place in mid-July. They will need the same result to get the stadium and redevelopment approved. The stadium will cost $1.3 billion. If the spot were in Tampa near Ybor City the stadium would have only cost $800,000 if the team had gotten the stadium deal done. With the $.3 billion it will also update the old gas plant district where Tropicana Field currently sits. If the vote goes through the new stadium construction will start in January 2025. The new stadium will be set to open to start the season in 2028. It looks like the stadium will go through. In the end, it is to keep the Rays in the state of Florida.
The new Tampa Bay Rays ballpark will have 30,000 fixed seats with a capacity of between 33,000 and 34,000 that will account for standing room and other gathering spaces. Currently, Tropicana Field has 25,025 seats with the upper deck closed. The lowest capacity in the majors is Progressive Field in Cleveland home of the Guardians which is 34,830 seats. The plan for the new ballpark is to once again be a three-tier setup. There will be a main concourse, a club level, and an upper deck. 70 percent of the seats will be in the lower bowl with 15,000 seats. There would be fewer suites but will offer the club patrons premium seating, flexible viewing areas, decks, and social gathering spaces. The field, just like at Tropicana Field, will be astroturf. The plan is to take the bullpens off the field and have them behind the outfield fences.

Matt Silverman said the stadium will have the smallest foul territory in baseball. It could also have the shortest distance from home plate to the backstop. With both aspects, no matter where fans sit it will bring them closer to the field. This will be great for fans because in some circumstances depending on where you sit it is hard to see the players and action. Silverman says it will be the most intimate ballpark in the majors. The stadium will also add museums and sports bars to help engage the fans even during the non-baseball season. Most baseball fans know that the two teams that need a new ballpark are the Tampa Bay Rays and Oakland Athletics. The Athletics are leaving Oakland to call Vegas home in the next couple of years.
One of the biggest new aspects is getting rid of the round roofing that is currently at Tropicana Field. It will have a pavilion-type roof. The Tampa Bay Rays used Statcast to ensure the roof would be high enough not to impact fly balls. It will be a state-of-the-art ballpark. Along with baseball games, they will have other events. It will be another venue to have concerts and draw artists to draw more people to the Tampa Bay area. This will be great for the area and the fans are excited to see the new ballpark for the Rays and other entertainment.
What are your thoughts on the new Tampa Bay Rays stadium? Leave a comment below.
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