Tampa Bay Rays Publish Renderings for New Downtown St. Pete MLB Stadium

The Tampa Bay Rays have introduced new design concepts for their planned baseball stadium in downtown St. Petersburg. Created by the architectural firm Populous, this proposed stadium is scheduled for review by the City Council Committee of the Whole on June 12. The team aims for approval by July, with construction set to start in early 2025, targeting a 2028 opening for the baseball season.

Stadium Features and Capacity

Named the Pavilion, this stadium will be the most intimate venue in Major League Baseball (MLB), with a capacity of 30,000. This includes 27,000 to 29,000 fixed seats, plus additional standing room, making it the smallest stadium in the league. For comparison, Cleveland’s Progressive Field has a capacity of 34,830. The Pavilion will replace Tropicana Field, which seats 25,025 for baseball games but has a total capacity of over 45,000.

Design Inspiration and Redevelopment

The $1.3 billion Pavilion takes inspiration from community gathering places around St. Petersburg, such as Fort DeSoto. It will be a key component of the $6.5 billion Historic Gas Plant District redevelopment, a project in partnership with Hines. This extensive redevelopment plan includes 5,400 residential units, 750 hotel rooms, 1.4 million square feet of Class A office and medical space, and 750,000 square feet of retail space.

Unique Architectural Elements

The Pavilion will feature a fixed roof, the only one of its kind in MLB, with a height of 240 feet. The three-tier structure will step down to 90 and 60 feet, providing a notable street-level presence. Large glass windows on the upper and lower decks will allow natural light and breezes, while a significant glass wall in the outfield will blend indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly.

 

Lower Level Amenities

The lower level of the stadium, called the Porch, will offer shaded areas with integrated bars and restaurants both inside and outside the ballpark. Glass openings will facilitate easy movement throughout the venue. A pedestrian plaza on 2nd Avenue South will serve as the main hub for activities, featuring multiple dining and beverage options, including a potential two-story brewery, food court, and team store.

Community and Fan Experience

The main entry plaza is designed to host pre- and post-game activities, such as concerts, creating a vibrant atmosphere for fans and the community. This substantial investment in St. Petersburg aims to revitalize the area, bringing new activity and offering a modern venue for baseball enthusiasts. Additionally, the Rays have confirmed that the new stadium will include a successor to the popular Rays touch tank, which is currently in the outfield of Tropicana Field.