Tampa Bay Rays stadium dream getting closer to reality

The Tampa Bay Rays have been looking for a new stadium almost from the moment they entered the league. That dream has taken a step closer to becoming reality.

There was a time when Tropicana Field was considered a state of the art stadium, a location that was a legitimate threat to lure teams from their present locations. Back in 1992, the San Francisco Giants almost relocated to Tampa Bay, and were going to call the Trop home. However, by the time that the Tampa Bay Rays had come into the league, the stadium was outdated, an antiquated structure that had been bypassed by the new, retro ballparks.

Now, after years of fighting and fitful attempts to get a new ballpark, progress may finally be happening. Team owner Stuart Sternberg has set his sights on a 14 acre site in Ybor City, north of the Ybor Channel, for the next home of the Rays. Meanwhile, a local businessman announced the formation of the Tampa Bay Rays 2020 Foundation, aimed at getting support for the project from other businesses and the community.

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Should this project come to fruition, the hope is that the Rays will get the financial boost they need. Being traded or let go when a player is making too much money is a way of life in Tampa Bay, as even franchise icons like Evan Longoria, David Price, and James Shields have all been sent elsewhere. It is expected to be a matter of time before Chris Archer is traded, the latest fan favorite sent elsewhere.

With a new stadium to invigorate the fanbase, and the possibility to get fans in the stands, the Rays may end up in a better financial situation. These players may actually be able to Tampa Bay, giving the team a core they can build around for longer than three or four years.

Of course, there are still hurdles to clear. The proposed new stadium needs approval from the city. And, there is the question of who will pay how much for the Rays new home. However, with this announcement, the Rays stadium nightmare may be coming to an end.

Next: Rays rebuild held up by slow offseason

The Tampa Bay Rays have selected their preferred site for a new stadium. Time will tell if that site becomes their next home.