For now, the Rays appear focused on the HCC Dale Mabry site as negotiations continue. Meanwhile, locations once considered are now moving on without baseball.
TAMPA, Fla. — With the Tampa Bay Rays’ new ownership signaling a preference for the Hillsborough Community College Dale Mabry campus as the site of a future stadium, several other locations once considered are now moving forward without baseball in their plans.
In St. Petersburg, the city’s Gas Plant District stadium deal is officially over. The city has reopened the 86-acre site for redevelopment proposals, prioritizing housing, jobs and a permanent home for the Woodson African American Museum of Florida rather than a new ballpark.
“We have planned for more than a decade,” Mayor Ken Welch said. “It’s time for action.”
Nearby Derby Lane remains under consideration for redevelopment, but not for baseball. Its new owners are seeking partners for a mixed-use entertainment district that would maintain some form of gambling presence. Visitors to the property say that identity should remain.
“If it would work, I see the gambling aspect of it,” said Curtis Major, a Derby Lane visitor.
“Oh yes, I’d like it to stay — yes,” added frequent visitor Chris Wallin.
Across the bay in Tampa, previously discussed sites such as the former Tampa Greyhound Track and WestShore Plaza are no longer active stadium options.
WestShore Plaza is for sale and being considered for mixed-use redevelopment, while the Greyhound Track continues operating as a poker room and simulcast betting site.
The State Fairgrounds and Blake High School were also mentioned only briefly in early discussions and never advanced.
In Ybor City, the GasWorx development was removed from consideration years ago. Developers say a nearby property known as Ybor Harbor could technically accommodate a stadium and that they would be open to the idea, but there have been no recent discussions involving the Rays.
In Orlando, the so-called Dreamers’ bid has effectively stalled after losing key investors. Once viewed as an outside alternative, the group could reemerge if a Tampa Bay deal falls through. Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred addressed that possibility, saying Florida remains a viable market.
“Florida is vibrant and there are alternatives in Florida,” Manfred said. “I do think we are at a point in the history of the club that something needs to get done. But I would be hesitant to characterize it as, you know, it’s this or never again.”
Upcoming elections could further reshape the stadium debate, potentially changing political support at the city and county levels.
For now, the Rays appear focused on the HCC Dale Mabry site as negotiations continue.