Potential Rays buyer talks vision, exploring Tampa Bay locations for new stadium
Share this @internewscast.com

A group led by a hedge fund founder is in talks to acquire the Tampa Bay Rays. The team revealed on Wednesday that they are negotiating exclusively with this group about a potential sale.

Trip Miller, who established Gullane Capital LLC, oversees financial management for both private and public institutions. When speaking with News Channel 8, Miller shared his aspirations for the team.

“Similar to what the Atlanta Braves have achieved with their development around the stadium, we believe that could serve as an excellent template for the Tampa area, leveraging the right public-private partnership,” Miller explained. “We’ve looked into several promising sites in Tampa, and if our bid is successful, we’ll adopt a carefully considered strategy over several months. Although a definitive plan may take time, we aim to find the optimal financing solution for a comprehensive development project.”

Miller said there are three steps in his process. The first is acquiring the ball club. Then building the stadium and developing the area around it to engage fans year-round. He said it should be what the Tampa Bay area deserves.

News Channel 8 On Your Side also asked if Miller acquired the team, would he be willing to revisit plans for Tropicana Field and the Historic Gas Plant district in St. Petersburg.

“Absolutely. I think that a thoughtful buyer of this asset will look at all options, including where they are right now,” Miller said.

Pinellas County and the City of St. Pete have started looking ahead. The city development administrator sent an email Wednesday informing council members about a study for a potential convention center located on the Historic Gas Plant site.

The study would evaluate the demand for convention and meeting space, and how it would support tourism and economic development.

Ron Diner, who started “No Home Run” to oppose the now dead Rays Hines deal, said the city should slow down because the team has three more years at the Trop.

“Convention center? Maybe. We’re way ahead of the game thinking about it. And number two, it can’t be that big, let the private sector build a hotel and convention center. Let’s not do what we did once before, build it and they will come, and then we get stuck with a big loser,” Diner said.

Diner said the county and city should consider bringing in outside consultants to lay out the property and decide what would be best to put there.

City council would review and consider the study when it’s finalized.

Meanwhile, Miller said he has a cash offer for the Rays with no financing contingencies, and no debt in the offer. He said he looks forward to hearing back from the team.

“I think we want to create something there that’s been missing, which is a true feel of community. And again, as I talked about earlier, a true public-private partnership,” Miller said.

Miller said hopefully a transaction will happen for a buyer this year, and said at this point he hopes to hear back from the Rays once their period with the other group expires.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Top Tips for Safely Purchasing a Child Car Seat

STATESBORO, Ga. () — The arrival of a newborn brings excitement, joy,…

Emergency Flash Floods Strike New Mexico Town Previously Ravaged by Wildfires

A New Mexico mountain town, affected by severe wildfires last year, experienced…

Helicopter and Horseback Teams Search Texas Flood Debris for Missing People

HUNT, Texas – As the search operation continued on Wednesday in Texas,…

Prosecutor Claims ‘Fake’ Crematorium Gave Animal Ashes to Customers

EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) – Funeral homes that used the services…

Decatur Initiates Task Force to Address Concerning Human Trafficking Trends

DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — Three different agencies are putting a team together…

Iroquois County EMA Introduces New Notification System

WATSEKA, Ill. (WCIA) — The Iroquois County EMA has teamed up with…

The Goncalves Family Seeks to Return Donations Following Kohberger’s Plea Deal

()  The family of slain University of Idaho student Kaylee Goncalves wants…

Noem Invites Followers to Pick Their Favorite Cowgirl Portrait of Her

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is asking for an art-selecting assist, calling…

Join the 2025 Citizens’ Fire Academy Hosted by Kingsport Fire Department

If you’re interested in gaining insights into the Kingsport Fire Department, consider…

Driver charged in deadly hit-and-run incident faces court hearing

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – The driver involved in a deadly hit-and-run incident…

Austin Fire Chief Addresses Concerns Over Response Time in Kerr County Flooding Accusations

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Fire Chief insists his department is doing…

Insights from a Tybee Beach Lifeguard on the Fourth of July

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. () — Tybee Island’s Fourth of July is one…