https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/02/barry-larkin-joins-group-attempting-to-get-mlb-franchise-in-orlando.html

At this point...makes more sense to move the Rays there and concentrate on two new expansion markets.

27 minutes ago, caulfield12 said:

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/02/barry-larkin-joins-group-attempting-to-get-mlb-franchise-in-orlando.html

At this point...makes more sense to move the Rays there and concentrate on two new expansion markets.

The Rays have a stadium deal already done.

26 minutes ago, Balta1701 said:

The Rays have a stadium deal already done.

Not so fast.

It's falling apart by the week.

 https://www.si.com/fannation/mlb/fastball/news/tampa-bay-rays-get-horrible-news-new-stadium-deal-could-be-dead-leading-to-future-uncertainty-possible-relocation

https://www.mlb.com/news/rays-pinellas-county-negotiations-new-stadium-deal

"The approval comes two weeks after the City Council voted to delay their vote on the stadium bonds when Rays Co-president Brian Auld explained a previous bond delay from the county and an additional delay from the city would push back the timeline for the new stadium even further, making a 2028 debut less likely.

Auld added that with the county’s deferral of the bond resolution, the Rays “couldn’t keep contracts” with partners and had to stop the bleeding as the team has already invested $50 million towards the plans.

City Administrator Rob Gerdes asked the Rays for their letter officially terminating the deal."

https://stpeterising.com/home/st-pete-approves-bonds-for-new-tampa-bay-rays-stadium-and-gas-plant-district-development&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwjd4-7O2KKLAxX3MjQIHWP8PFEQFnoECAEQAg&usg=AOvVaw1KS2zWAvCwE5-v--dEfXfs

Edited February 1, 20251 yr by caulfield12

"Rays owner Stu Sternberg said on Monday that the team is still deciding what to do regarding a new ballpark. Schnorf said he had taken numerous calls about moving the Rays from Tampa Bay to Orlando while securing verbal commitments totaling $450 million from local and institutional investors."

https://www.fox13news.com/news/could-tampa-bay-rays-become-orlando-dreamers-one-group-aims-make-happen&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwjoz--G2aKLAxUGFjQIHRz4Ma8QFnoECAEQAw&usg=AOvVaw3YBGufqI6YDOHViW79Nevh

 

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/01/29/barry-larkin-pat-williams-tampa-bay-rays-orlando-dreamers-baseball-mike-bianchi-commentary/

 

"Meanwhile, Jim Schnorf, who co-founded the Dreamers effort with Pat Williams, says he has already secured verbal commitments of nearly $500 million from minority investors. Not only that, but he also may have a majority owner ready to join the effort and commit half the money to build a privately funded domed stadium.

Schnorf says the Dreamers are seeking a 50-50 public-private split on building the proposed stadium on a 35.5-acre plot of land next to the Aquatica water park just across International Drive from SeaWorld. The team would fund half of the proposed $1.7 billion stadium project while the other half would be funded by Orange County’s Tourist Development Tax."

Already way ahead of JR...who still hasn't pledged any of his own money for a new Chicago stadium.

Edited February 1, 20251 yr by caulfield12

Thank you for adding the links, I did not know about that.

2 hours ago, caulfield12 said:

Already way ahead of JR...who still hasn't pledged any of his own money for a new Chicago stadium.

WSox don't need a new stadium. When is the last time you attended a game?

2019...

5 hours ago, tray said:

WSox don't need a new stadium. When is the last time you attended a game?

They might not need a new stadium, but they need a new location.

45 minutes ago, mac9001 said:

They might not need a new stadium, but they need a new location.

Yeah, the location is why they suck. Just an FYI, it’s easier to get to the Rate than any other professional sports facility in Chicago.

I don’t support an expansion team going there but if one of the teams in Florida moved there, it would probably make sense. You would get a lot of opposing fans that are there for Disney.

https://frontofficesports.com/rays-receive-blunt-message-from-st-pete-mayor-were-ready-to-move-on/

5 hours ago, caulfield12 said:

https://frontofficesports.com/rays-receive-blunt-message-from-st-pete-mayor-were-ready-to-move-on/

I love how they picked the most unflattering picture of the mayor they could find. nipples protruding in his rays jersey, very disrespectful.

5 minutes ago, nrockway said:

I love how they picked the most unflattering picture of the mayor they could find. nipples protruding in his rays jersey, very disrespectful.

I believe that’s called “man boob”.