TAMPA, Fla. - All eyes were on the Tampa Bay Rays this morning as the new owners took to Steinbrenner Field to lay out their vision for the future.
The billion-dollar sale was recently finalized to a group led by Florida developer Patrick Zalupski, ending Stuart Sternberg's nearly 20-year run as the Rays owner.
Zalupski is the CEO of Dream Finders Homes, a Florida-based real estate developer.
Bill Cosgrove, CEO of Union Home Mortgage, and Ken Babby, CEO of Fast Forward Sports Group, are also part of the group.
Cosgrove shared his excitement about joining the Rays family.
"The culture is wonderful, the people are just world-class, and we're really excited to be a part of it," he said. "We understand that, you know, it's all about winning; on the field, winning in the community. And that's what we intend to do."
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The roof at Tropicana Field is still undergoing repairs, but the team is set to play there next season.
"It's no secret that we need a new, forever home to secure the Rays' long-term future in Tampa Bay, and delivering upon that objective will be our first priority," Zalupski said at the press conference. "Our goal is to have a world-class ballpark ready for opening day 2029."
Zalupski expanded on his vision for the Rays' next home, saying the ballpark would be part of a mixed-use development including hotels, office buildings, retail, restaurants and a music venue.
"We are also determined, and pledge to you to build a championship caliber team, and we believe this development will generate the revenue needed for long-term sustainable success," he said.
“It's as much as the familiarity. You know you are renting, you are just continuing to learn in an environment all year. Again, it's not an excuse for our record, but the Trop is our home. That's what we're used to, that's what we know,” said team president Erik Neander, who will continue in his role as president of operations.
Major League Baseball has given the deal its full approval, and now the focus shifts to what’s ahead. Leaders with the Rays say they’re excited for the change.
“We can win, and we can figure out a way to do it. And it's because of the people. And by all accounts, Patrick and the group coming in, they care about people, and they recognize the people in the quality that are here. Can we do better? Yes,” Neander said.
Ken Babby, who will serve as CEO and oversee day-to-day operations, stressed the importance of baseball and other local sports as ways of unifying the community.
"Our focus has always been to make baseball a fun and unforgettable experience, accessible, affordable, creating lifelong memories for families, for friends, to take moments away from life's busy paces," he said.