The backstory:<\/p>\n
The proposal, presented by design firm ASD SKY, suggests a significant transformation of Al Lang Stadium. This shift comes as part of a broader initiative to reimagine the city’s waterfront as a vibrant arts center.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/vlcsnap-2025-12-05-20h06m14s113.png\")
<\/p>\n
The firm, after extensive discussions with stakeholders, including the Tampa Bay Rowdies, unveiled plans for a 36,000-square-foot addition. The proposed three-story expansion would feature new locker rooms, year-round concessions, potential retail space and a rooftop restaurant and bar, enhancing the stadium’s appeal and functionality.<\/p>\n
John Curran of ASD SKY emphasized the Rowdies’ commitment to remaining in St. Petersburg.<\/p>\n
“The team as of this moment does want to remain in St. Petersburg,” Curran said.<\/p>\n
The Rowdies’ lease is set to expire next year, making the expansion plans timely and crucial for the team’s future in the city.<\/p>\n
Big picture view:<\/p>\n
One of the renderings even includes a baseball diamond, positioning Al Lang Stadium as a potential spring training site if the Tampa Bay Rays decide to relocate.<\/p>\n
“If the city wanted to keep Al Lang [Stadium] for baseball, you could do that,” Curran said.<\/p>\n
City council members expressed general support for the expansion plan, recognizing its potential as a revenue generator.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“I do see this as being a revenue generator. I think this is great,” Corey Givens, a council member, said.<\/p>\n
What’s next:<\/p>\n
The estimated cost for the stadium improvements stands at $49.2 million. However, the feasibility of achieving this, alongside the designs for the arts center, remains uncertain.<\/p>\n
Council Member Deborah Figg Sanders highlighted the importance of understanding the financial implications.<\/p>\n
“If we don’t know how much that’s gonna cost, or get us some type of guesstimate as to what that may cost taxpayers dollars, I think that’ll have a whole lot of impact on the design of what it is that we’re looking to do,” Sanders said.<\/p>\n
Council members asked the firm to expand community outreach before their next presentation.<\/p>\n
The Source: Information for this story was gathered from the ASD SKY design firm and the St. Petersburg City Council.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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