Team forced to abandon $1.3 billion stadium deal after major roadblocks: 'A series of events … no one could have anticipated'

The Tampa Bay Rays surprised the city of St. Petersburg, Florida, by retracting their plans for a new $1.3 billion stadium that had already gotten the go-ahead from the city council.

What's happening?

In an official statement Posted on Thursday on what is now called X, previously known as Twitter, Rays main owner Stuart Sternberg stated that this "tough choice" was triggered by "a sequence of events starting in October that nobody could have foreseen."

"Following thorough consideration, we've decided that we must pause the new ballpark and development initiative for now," he stated, implying a postponed schedule. ballooning budget , and the destruction left in the wake of Hurricane Milton.

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The design plan for the 30,000-seat stadium in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg started becoming popular last May , merely five months prior to the tropical cyclone hit the state and resulted in $34.3 billion in damages throughout the region.

Hurricane Milton tore through the fabric roof of Tropicana Field, the organization's existing home stadium, rendering it unplayable for the upcoming season. While the Rays will play their home games this year at nearby Steinbrenner Field, the New York Yankees' spring training home, they hope to fix the current dome in time for the 2026 season.

What makes the withdrawal significant?

Even though Florida is quite familiar with hurricanes and other extreme weather Events, they were pivotal in shaping the club's choice. Assessments of Tropicana Field discovered that repairing it would cost almost $56 million, and it was scheduled for demolition after the new stadium was built.

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This scenario also highlights yet another instance of communities of color disproportionately shouldering the burden Of ecological disasters and their consequences.

The newly planned stadium, slated for a 2028 opening, was the centerpiece of the city’s ambitious $6.5 billion, two-decade initiative aimed at rejuvenating the area. Historic Gas Plant District , primarily inhabited by African American residents. Other amenities consist of a museum dedicated to Black history, cost-effective living spaces, recreational spots, and fair opportunities business chances to support the growth of the local economy.

Currently, the team's future and the redevelopment plan are up in the air following the front office's decision to abandon the planned stadium.

Everything indicates an escalation in the intensity of extreme weather occurrences due to escalating global temperatures. Despite nature’s disasters persisting in causing destruction, these events have merely begun to grown more disruptive As we fill our atmosphere with greenhouse gases that warm the planet,

What actions are being taken regarding Earth's warming?

Several professional sports teams have implemented measures to decrease their dependence on dirty energy Sources. For example, franchises such as those in the NFL's Atlanta Falcons and Arsenal Several clubs in the Premier League have embraced sustainable practices and eco-friendly policies.

In the meantime, you at home can take your turn by getting more informed about critical climate issues , ditching single-use products , and taking eco-friendly modes of transportation .

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips , and don't miss this cool list Here are some simple methods to aid both yourself and the Earth.

Team forced to abandon $1.3 billion stadium deal after major roadblocks: 'A series of events … no one could have anticipated' first appeared on The Cool Down .