TAMPA, Fla. (WWSB) – The Tampa Bay Rays introduced its new ownership group at a news conference Tuesday morning.
The meeting, held at Steinbrenner Field, featured the new triumvirate of owners looking to guide the organization into a successful future.
The Rays Managing Partner and Co-Chair Patrick Zalupski was joined by other Co-Chair Bill Cosgrove, and Chief Executive Officer Ken Babby.
They unveiled plans for revitalizing Tropicana Field in the short term, while clearly stating their emphasis on finding a new, permanent home for the Rays in the near future.
Zalupski said the ownership’s goal is to have a new ballpark in Tampa Bay by the start of the 2029 season, and that the group is keeping an open mind on a location.
Rays’ CEO Ken Babby reiterated that the team will look to build upon the strong foundations forged in the Tampa community.
“A great team uses its platform to celebrate great works in the community and to pitch in when the community needs help,” Babby said.
“The Rays have strong bonds throughout Tampa Bay, and we look forward to maintaining and strengthening those relationships—and creating new ones,’’ he added.
The new owners made it know they intend to stay in the Tampa area for the long haul.
“To be clear, it is our first and highest priority to find that home in Tampa Bay,” Zalupski said.
“We understand the history, and how important it is to get it right for our fans, the employees, the entire Tampa Bay region, and Major League Baseball.”
They also have plans to have Tropicana Field not only up and running for Opening Day 2026, but better than it’s ever been before.
Some of the planned upgrades include a new video board, sound system, and most importantly, a new roof.
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