TAMPA, Fla. — With the end of the 2018 comes the end of ballpark dreams in Ybor City.
- Rays possible move to Ybor flat line due to financing
- Rays to stay in St. Pete for now
The possible deal to bring the Rays to Tampa was flat lined because of financing.
"If the Rays are not willing to meet us halfway, then we're just negotiating with ourselves and so we're not doing that," Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn said.
The baseball team had been considering a new stadium on 14 acres of land near the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway in Ybor.
While some said they are disappointed the team won't come across the bridge, others said they feel like the Ybor community may have indirectly scored a home run.
"Why not use that land for something that benefits the people," said Kelly Grimsdale of the V.M. Ybor Neighborhood Association.
Grimsdale lives less than a mile away from where the ballpark would have gone. Investors said they still intend to develop the Ybor site. Grimsdale hopes affordable housing goes there.
"The best use for that is going to be something multi-level, multi-family, or higher density urban living," Grimsdale said.
Meanwhile, Mayor Buckhorn said if the Rays do think about coming to Tampa again, the framework will already be in place - but it wont be during his term in office.
As for the Rays, they're staying in St. Pete for now — and back to the drawing board when it comes to trying to land a spot for a new ballpark.
Their lease to play in Tropicana Field runs through 2027.