ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) – Tropicana Field is undergoing repairs for the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team.
Al Lang Stadium recently reopened following repairs for the Tampa Bay Rowdies men’s soccer team.
Both were damaged during the last hurricane season.
Currently, there’s speculation that both teams might eventually leave St. Petersburg, with ongoing negotiations for a sale to a developer based in Jacksonville.
Back in October 2018, it was revealed that the Rowdies were sold to the Rays, which is not uncommon for a major league baseball team to own a team from a different sport.
It’s still unclear if both will be sold together. The two organizations have no comment on this story.
St. Petersburg Councilman Copley Gerdes said even if the Rowdies are sold soon, soccer fans can still see them at Al Lang Stadium.
“As of right now, the Rowdies are playing in St. Pete; that’s how I expect it to stay,” Gerdes said.
In April, the team sought to extend their lease at the stadium through most of 2026. The existing agreement is due to expire towards the end of this year. This request coincides with the city’s consideration of demolishing the stadium for a new waterfront development.
“I certainly want them to stay in St. Pete,” Gerdes said. “There’s a history of them being here.”
The women’s soccer team, The Tampa Bay Sun, recently unveiled a proposal for a stadium at Ybor Harbor in Tampa. Now, some think the Rowdies could possibly share the soccer facility, and the Rays could build their own facility.
Pinellas Commissioner Chris Latvala said despite the likelihood of both teams leaving, it’s not a total loss for his county.
“Rob Manfred, the commissioner of Major League Baseball, was very committed to keeping the team in the Tampa Bay market,” Latvala said. “I think that’s the important thing that the Rays will be in Tampa Bay.”
Latvala also said, his county will still see economic benefits from sports fans.
“Our beaches and our tourism, our hotels, will be fine with or without the rays and the same will be true for St. Pete,” Latvala said.
The Tampa Bay Sun didn’t comment about future ideas and plans for Ybor Harbor. Ybor Developer Darryl Shaw also didn’t reply to our request for comments. The Rays are still under contract for several years to play at Tropicana Field.
