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ST. PETERSBURG, Florida.- The executive council of Major League Baseball (MLB) rejected the Rays‘ proposal for “Sister Cities” on Thursday, two years and seven months after giving the club preliminary approval of the idea of playing half a season at home in Tampa Bay. and the other in Montreal.
With the split-season option ruled out, the Rays’ future is unclear beyond the expiration of the deal with Tropicana Field after the 2027 season. In a statement released by the team, principal owner Stu Sternberg said the news was disappointing.
“There is virtue in pursuing something you believe in and I am proud of our efforts. I am convinced that these years of searching and studying will lead to something positive for our organization,” said Sternberg. “Our goal is, and always has been, for the Rays to thrive here in Tampa Bay, now and for generations to come.”
The Rays, who normally have one of the lowest attendances in the majors, have been trying to secure a stadium in the Tampa Bay area for nearly 15 years. Before the “Sister Cities” concept, they failed to reach an agreement with Hillsborough County in 2018, with a nearly $900 million stadium proposal in Ybor City. They were also unsuccessful with another plan in 2009, for a stadium at the waterfront Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg.
with information mlb
