Manfred: Time to Move Rays Ballpark Decision to Front Burner

Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred wants Tampa Bay to work a little quicker on getting the Tampa Bay Rays a new ballpark.  Read more here.  Read more here from Times Sports Columnist Tom Jones.

So, No State Funds for Rays New Ballpark?

Well into its search for a new ballpark, the Tampa Bay Rays are finding that the era of easy public money is over.  Not only is the Legislature opposed to using state money for stadiums and arenas, but lawmakers are increasingly hostile to using any type of public support — even if local taxpayers agree to it.  Read more here.

Mock Reviews Joker Marchant Stadium and Steinbrenner Field Renovations

Joe Mock from BaseballParks.com takes a look at the “sweeping renovations” at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland (FL) and George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa (FL) that were completed in preparation for the 2017 spring-training season.  Read more and view photos here.

Hillsborough County Exploring Ways to Fund New Rays Ballpark

The brainstorming is well underway for Hillsborough County (FL) officials who are exploring creative ways to fund a new ballpark in Tampa to lure the Tampa Bay Rays from St. Petersburg across the bay.  Read more here.

Tampa Yankess Announce $40 Million in Renovations for George M. Steinbrenner Field

PRESS RELEASE – From the new Loge Boxes and shaded Cabanas, to the construction of a two-story gift shop, George M. Steinbrenner Field is evolving and changing the way fans will experience Tampa Yankees games and Spring Training games. The $40 million renovation project began in August and is expected to continue until pitchers and catchers report in February.

Rays Explore Nine Potential Ballpark Sites

Tampa Bay Rays executives met with Tampa and Hillsborough County officials Tuesday for their first discussion of specific potential baseball stadium sites in the county.  Read more here.

Using Downtown TIF Funds for New Rays Ballpark Raises Concerns

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn‘s idea to put $100 million of downtown tax money toward a potential new Tampa Bay Rays stadium is getting a skeptical look from the Straz Center for the Performing Arts and other nonprofits.  Read more here.