Colleen Wright journalist of TampaBay.com discusses St. Pete Council approval of new Tampa Bay Rays stadium & the long journey to get there

• Council Votes & Reactions
• Recent council decisions were expected, with minor changes to environmental & sustainability language
• The council vote went as expected, with a 5-3 split
• Strengthened language in the contract aimed to ensure implementation of standards, not just aspirations
• Mat watched the council meeting & acknowledged the valid concerns raised
• Contract Language & Concerns
• Tweaks were made to tighten the deal, particularly concerning the resale of publicly owned land
• Concerns about "Rays or Hines affiliates" receiving property without clear definitions
• Council member, pushed for clearer contract terms & transparency
• Development Timeline
• Stadium completion targeted by 2028
• 300 affordable housing units are expected by 2030
• Full development build-out will span 30 years
• The stadium will remain county-owned, with the Rays controlling broadcasting, naming rights, concessions, & ticket revenues
• Discussion on the financial benefits for Rays' owner, Stu Sternberg, including the potential increase in team valuation with the new stadium
• Community Impact & Long-Term Vision
• The deal has mixed reactions, with some community members & groups wanting a more equitable deal
• Concerns over future enforceability of contract terms
• Importance of written contracts for ensuring commitments are met over time
• The development will include a fresh food market, though its completion is not legally required until 2045
• The project is subject to various permits & zoning changes, with groundbreaking expected in 2025
• The importance of timely development to avoid losing the Rays as a key part of the project
• The project is expected to significantly impact the area, with phased developments over 30 years
• Continued scrutiny & clear contractual terms are crucial for the project's success & community satisfaction
• Kudos to Colleen Wright & St Pete Times team for their coverage of the Rays
• Stu Sternberg’s longstanding commitment to St. Pete

Thanks to Mat Germain for bringing his knowledge, wit and wisdom to the show. You can catch more of Mat on Twitter x.com @Mat_Germain_
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