Could the historic city of Oldsmar be the new home to the Tampa Bay Rays? That's the dream of some city leaders who pitched plans on Thursday to team representatives.
- Stadium would be located off Race Track Road
- Mayor envisions stadium area developed with shopping, hotels, restaurants
- Some residents not enthusiastic about idea
"It'd be great to be able to come home, pick up your kid from school, drive five minutes to the stadium," said Mayor Doug Bevis.
Bevis wants the 100-year-old city to be the new home of the Rays. The city's proposal specifies a new stadium be built off Race Track Road, near the Tampa Bay Downs.
"The key factor that sets us apart from everybody else is location," said Bevis. "One property owner, 450 acres straddles the county line, allowing joint funding from both Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties."
Besides baseball, the mayor said he envisions an area filled with shopping, hotels, offices, and restaurants. He said it would be an attraction that benefits the entire area.
Some residents we talked to aren’t exactly sold on the stadium, however. While they said they like the concept, they’re concerned about traffic and the city growing too fast.
Bevis said if the Rays were to make the move, part of his plan would include roadway widening and upgrades. He said he’s also a supporter of mass transit, and stated that his efforts aren’t just for the city, but for the fans.
"If we don't get selected for a valid reason, I can sleep at night, but we put our best foot forward and if we don't get selected, it's not because we didn't try," said Bevis.
It’s now up to the Rays organization to decide if this idea is a home run. Tampa and St. Petersburg are also currently courting the team.