ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Rays, a Major League Baseball (MLB) team with a long history of name changes, may be on the verge of yet another transformation. As plans for a new ballpark unfold, there is ongoing discussion about renaming the team to more accurately reflect its location: the St. Petersburg Rays.
The St. Petersburg City Council recently deliberated this possibility, ultimately voting for a resolution that seeks ways to enhance the city’s connection to the MLB team, which could involve a name change. The idea was proposed by Council member Gina Driscoll, who argued that many residents perceive “Tampa Bay” as solely referring to the city of Tampa.
“I think we owe it to our residents to have a discussion about this,” said Driscoll.
However, the Rays’ leadership, represented by team co-president Brian Auld, expressed strong reservations about this proposal. Auld argued that such a requirement could jeopardize the entire $6.5 billion ballpark and downtown redevelopment project, which includes various amenities like affordable housing, a Black history museum, a hotel, retail and office spaces, bars, restaurants, and more.
“We are the Tampa Bay Rays. Our name is deliberately inclusive. Our fans live throughout Tampa Bay and central Florida,” stated Auld. He pointed out that other professional sports teams in the area, such as the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning, also use the “Tampa Bay” designation. “There will not be a new ballpark nor development project if there’s a requirement to change our franchise’s name.”
The proposed $1.3 billion ballpark, unveiled in September, is planned for the same 86-acre tract of downtown land currently occupied by Tropicana Field, the team’s domed stadium since 1998. If the deal goes through, it would commit the Rays to their new home for at least 30 years, starting in 2028, putting an end to speculations about the team relocating 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, its name should be prioritized. They believe that doing so would elevate the city’s national profile and boost its tourism industry.
However, this potential name change is not without precedent in the world of MLB. The Florida Marlins, for example, were required to become the Miami Marlins before their new stadium opened in 2012. Additionally, the Los Angeles Angels have gone through several name iterations, including the California Angels, Anaheim Angels, and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
Mayor Ken Welch, on the other hand, aligns with the Rays’ stance. He views the new ballpark as central to the revitalization of the Gas Plant District, an area that was once home to a thriving Black community before Tropicana Field and a highway disrupted its landscape.
Pinellas County, which is contributing approximately $312.5 million to the new ballpark, has expressed no interest in a name change. Janet Long, chair of the Pinellas County Commission, has stated that she opposes a name change unless the team is willing to forego funding from the county.
The resolution passed by the City Council instructs the mayor’s staff to prepare a report on the matter by January 4. Driscoll expanded the resolution’s scope to explore alternative options, such as incorporating “St. Petersburg” into the new ballpark’s name, having players occasionally wear city-branded uniforms, increasing city-promotion signage within the facility, and directing broadcasters to accurately describe the location.
Driscoll believes that suggesting the entire project is at risk due to these discussions is an exaggeration. “We’ve got some different options here,” she remarked. “Suddenly, having this conversation puts the entire project in jeopardy? I don’t think that’s true.”