Initial Reactions to the Press Conference Excitement over finally hearing from ownership.Big question addressed: Are the Rays staying in the Tampa Bay area?New owner Patrick Zalupski confirms commitment to the region. Stadium Plans & Vision Zalupski’s top priority: Building a new stadiumInspiration from Atlanta’s Battery:Mixed-use development: hotels, bars, restaurants, retail, concert venues.Emphasis on creating a destination, not just a ballpark. Atlanta as the Model Turner Field to The Battery move: strategic & fan-focused.Success of moving closer to where the fanbase actually lives.Takeaway: Rays should apply the same approach. Site Challenges & Possibilities Target: 100+ acres of land – a tall order in Tampa.Areas discussed:Gaslight District – likely out.Steinbrenner Field area – possibly too small.HCC campus – enough land but unrealistic due to school presence.Raymond James area – intriguing, but complex.I-4 corridor / near Ybor / fairgrounds – promising due to accessibility.Oldsmar, outskirts, or near Lakeland – growing regions with fan potential. Data-Driven Decision Making Emphasis on studying demographics and fan location data.Go where the fans are – maximize attendance and long-term success. Timeline & UrgencyGoal: Open new stadium by 2029.Concerns about tight turnaround for:Stadium constructionMixed-use developmentHopeful, but realistic – planning must move quickly and efficiently. Interim Situation: Tropicana Field Tropicana Field remains the temporary home.Renovations help, but it's still outdated.Sympathy for the team and fans having to return there. Stadium Features Confirmed Enclosed fixed roof stadium (not retractable).Pros: AC stays.Cons: Still playing indoors.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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