Tampa Bay Rays’ Home Considers Name Change, Amidst Potential Threat to Stadium Deal

The Tampa Bay Rays, a Major League Baseball team, may undergo another name change as plans for a new ballpark in St. Petersburg, Florida, begin to take shape. The team, originally known as the Tampa Bay Devil Rays when they debuted in 1998, have already shortened their name to the Tampa Bay Rays in 2007. However, there is now a proposal to change the name to the St. Petersburg Rays to better reflect the team’s actual location.

The St. Petersburg City Council recently debated this possibility, ultimately voting for a resolution that seeks options to enhance the city’s prominence with the MLB team, including a potential name change. Council member Gina Driscoll brought up the idea due to the misconception that Tampa Bay refers only to the city of Tampa, leading many constituents to believe that the team does not represent St. Petersburg.

While the city council is considering this change, the Rays organization does not support it. Team co-president Brian Auld expressed concern that such a requirement could jeopardize the $6.5 billion ballpark and downtown redevelopment project. This project encompasses not only the new ballpark but also various amenities such as affordable housing, a Black history museum, a hotel, retail and office spaces, as well as bars and restaurants. Auld emphasized that the team’s name, the Tampa Bay Rays, intentionally embraces inclusivity, as their fans come from throughout Tampa Bay and central Florida. He also highlighted that other local professional sports teams, such as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL) and the Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL), use the Tampa Bay moniker.

The proposed $1.3 billion ballpark, unveiled in September, would be constructed on the same 86-acre tract of downtown land currently occupied by Tropicana Field, the Rays’ current home since 1998. The demolition of the domed stadium is part of the plan, which would secure the Rays’ presence in their new home for a minimum of 30 years starting in 2028, effectively ending speculation about a potential move to Tampa or another city.

Supporters of a name change argue that since St. Petersburg is contributing $417.5 million in tax dollars to the project, the city’s name should take precedence. They believe this change would enhance the city’s national profile and boost its tourism industry. Resident Robert Kapusta conveyed his opinion to the council, stating that spending hundreds of millions of dollars on Tampa alone does not make sense. He believes that Tampa and Tampa Bay are interchangeable terms.

It is worth noting that other baseball teams have undergone name changes in the past. For instance, the Florida Marlins became the Miami Marlins before their new stadium opened in 2012. Additionally, the Los Angeles Angels have had several name variations, including the California Angels, Anaheim Angels, and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Mayor Ken Welch, the first Black mayor of St. Petersburg, stands with the Rays organization, opposing the name change. He considers the new ballpark a crucial element in the redevelopment of the Gas Plant District, which was once home to a thriving Black community before Tropicana Field and an interstate highway displaced its residents and businesses. Welch believes that requiring a name change would be detrimental to the promise made for this redevelopment.

Pinellas County, contributing approximately $312.5 million to the new ballpark, has no interest in changing the team’s name. Janet Long, the chair of the Pinellas County Commission, expressed her lack of support for a name change, stating that it would only be considered if the team refused the county’s funding.

The City Council’s adopted resolution instructs Mayor Welch’s staff to prepare a report on the issue by January 4th. Driscoll expanded the resolution’s scope to include other possibilities, such as incorporating St. Petersburg into the new ballpark’s name, having players occasionally wear city-branded uniforms, displaying more city-promoting signs within the facility, and directing broadcasters to accurately describe the team’s location.

Despite concerns that these discussions may pose a threat to the entire project, Driscoll considers them an opportunity to explore various options. She believes that the project’s future is not in jeopardy due to these conversations.

In conclusion, as plans for a new ballpark in St. Petersburg progress, the possibility of the Tampa Bay Rays changing their name to the St. Petersburg Rays has emerged. While the city council supports this idea, the Rays organization argues against it, fearing potential negative impacts on the extensive redevelopment project. The name change proposal has sparked debates regarding the team’s representation and the financial contributions made by St. Petersburg and Pinellas County. The City Council’s resolution aims to explore different possibilities to elevate the city’s prominence while preserving the project’s integrity.