In a key meeting on Dec. 9, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred sat down with Pinellas County officials to throw his support behind their $312.5 million bond package. The money would kick off their ambitious $1.3 billion ballpark project. The long-delayed bond vote is scheduled for Dec. 17. Baseball's leadership has been busy, including a vital December 6 sit-down with Gov. Ron DeSantis to iron out details.
After meeting with baseball's boss, County Commission Chairperson Kathleen Peters described their discussion saying, "It went fine, He (Commissioner Manfred) spoke of his support of the deal and the fans.” Meanwhile, whispers continue about a potential team relocation to Omaha, Nebraska.
The team kicks off their 2024 season on March 28 against Colorado — just a day later than originally planned. Once spring training wraps up, they'll take over operations at Steinbrenner Field. A comprehensive 42-point plan spells out how they'll run their temporary home. While they'll oversee retail operations and ticket sales, the Yankees' existing food vendor will stick around. Some upgrades are needed on practice fields to meet Minor League requirements. These improvements will help both the Rays and the Tampa Tarpons who share the facility.
If the team makes the playoffs, their home venue remains uncertain. This adds yet another layer to the bigger question: Where will they end up after 2025?
