Florida Construction News staff writer
The new owners of the Tampa Bay Rays say the hurricane-damaged Tropicana Field will be repaired in time for next season, while they begin a search for site to build a new ballpark they hope to open in 2029.
The group, led by Florida developer Patrick Zalupski, finalized a $1.7 billion purchase of the team last week from Stu Sternberg, who owned the Rays for 18 years and had long sought to replace the team’s current stadium.
Zalupski, along with new CEO Ken Babby and co-chair Bill Cosgrove, said at a news conference the franchise will remain in the Tampa Bay area and they are looking for a site of about 100 acres that will be developed with shops, bars and restaurants in addition to a domed ballpark with a fixed roof.
“We need a new ballpark. I don’t think that’s disputed by anyone,” Zalupski said. “We want to build a sustainable championship team. We’re confident we can be successful in Tampa Bay.”
Repairs are currently underway at Tropicana Field after the roof was torn off last October by Hurricane Milton. The city has contracted Hennessy Construction Services and AECOM Hunt to lead the repair work under a $22.5 million agreement, which includes replacing the roof panels with a new PTFE-coated fiberglass system manufactured overseas. Half of the 24 panels are expected to be installed by the end of the week.
The Rays are required to play three more seasons at Tropicana Field under their lease with the city of St. Petersburg. Both the Tampa and St. Petersburg mayors attended Tuesday’s event. Earlier this year, the team withdrew from a $1.3 billion proposal to build a new ballpark adjacent to Tropicana Field, citing hurricane damage and rising costs. That decision preceded Sternberg’s sale of the franchise.
Zalupski, CEO of Jacksonville-based Dream Finders Homes, will serve as the team’s control person and co-chair with Cosgrove, CEO of Union Home Mortgage in Ohio.
