MLB outfit’s $2bn ‘spherical armadillo’ ballpark takes leap forward with path almost clear for expansion

Rob Manfred’s to-do list could be about to get a little shorter.

The MLB commissioner is desperate to get new ballparks over the line for the A’s and Tampa Bay Rays.

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Once they are complete, the path is open for an expansion to 32 teams, although labor negotiations will take priority.

The Rays’ $2.3billion relocation hit a potential speedbump with their prospective neighbors — NFL’s Bucs — set to be granted priority in the race for public funds

Manfred is hopeful any kinks will be worked out, and also had a positive update on the A’s move to Vegas at the owners’ meeting this week in New York.

The team made a presentation showcasing that construction was moving at a rapid pace having broken ground last year.

Estimated to cost $2 billion, the “spherical armadillo” is due to open in 2028.

“I’ve seen the facility in Las Vegas [coming] out of the ground, and I do think it’s going to be a real showcase for us. Really impressive,” Manfred said.

MLB expansion not the No. 1 priority

The club has set up an interim base in Sacramento, with the Californian city one of several lining up for an expansion franchise.

Finding homes for the A’s and Rays was a key stepping stone to any increase of the numbers of teams for many owners.

Manfred says ongoing labor talks for the MLBPA have taken priority over expansion plans.

“We’ve made clear to all the cities that have expressed an interest that this is a post-labor topic,” he revealed.

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The Rays are not as far a long, but have reached a non-binding memorandum of understanding.

Around $976 million is slated to come from the public purse, with owners trying to secure that deal by mid-July so the project can move forward.

A completion date of 2029 has been proposed.

“We’re hopeful,” Manfred said. “There remains strong community support.

“We think the [local] polling runs about 60-40 in favor of the stadium. And we’re hopeful that they get over the next hurdle.”

The Bucs are looking to develop Raymond James Stadium, which sits across the road from the Rays’ chosen site.

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Execs are hoping for a large chunk of the $1 billion facelift to be financed by local lawmakers, which could cause a problem for the MLB bid.

Formal letters sent from the Tampa Sports Authority to the Hillsborough County Commission and the Tampa City Council outlined that renovating Raymond James Stadium should be given priority in the event that capital is sparse, per Emma Behrmann of the Tampa Bay Business Journal.

“I think that we should let the county know that we’re greatly concerned,” said board member Tony Muniz, who made the motion for the letter.

“There’s only so [many] dollars that we have out there, and that we need to take care of our current tenants.”

Tampa City Council board member Alan Clendenin argued that the Sports Authority holds no authority in making the city’s financial decisions over elected officials.

“It’s the Tampa Sports Authority, not the Bucs sports authority,” he said.

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