Tampa Bay Rays key deadline for stadium deal approaching

The Tampa Bay Rays are still looking to construct their new stadium. However, a key deadline is fast approaching.

The question of whether or not the Tampa Bay Rays need a new stadium has long since been answered. Tropicana Field, once considered a technological marvel that was capable of enticing teams to Florida if they did not receive a new stadium, has long outlived its usefulness. The Rays financial woes are often linked to the Trop, as it is hoped that a new stadium will ease those financial restrictions.

There has been a glimmer of hope that a new stadium will come into being. The Rays have a design and a location, eyeing a 14 acre site in Ybor City north of the Ybor Channel. This stadium, with its glass ceiling and unique details, could be a boon for Tampa Bay.

However, as promising as that location and stadium design may be, there is a key deadline approaching. The Rays have an option to be able to get out of their lease at Tropicana Field, but need to exercise it by December 31. Otherwise, instead of being able to escape in time for the 2023 campaign, they would be locked in through 2027.

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While this would seem to be a positive, that is not quite the case. The Rays still need financial assistance to build their new stadium, as MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said there is still work to be done in order to secure the financial package necessary to make this dream a reality.

Manfred has stated that he remains confident a deal will get done to allow this new ballpark to come into existence, repeating his optimism from July. Yet, every day brings that deadline closer, without a resolution seemingly at hand. MLB and ownership want the Rays to move to a new stadium, but the money needs to work out.

Of course, it is possible that both sides look to an extension, allowing the Rays to be able to work towards that needed financial package. After all, ownership, Major League Baseball, and the political leadership all want to keep the Rays in the area. If it takes a few extra months to let the Rays plug away at securing financing for the new stadium, then so be it.

The Tampa Bay Rays have a deadline coming up in their quest for a new stadium. Will they be able to get the funding they need?