TAMPA, Fla. – The new ownership group of the Tampa Bay Rays, led by Florida-based business executive Patrick Zalupski, made its first public appearance Tuesday, asserting their commitment to both fielding a winning team and building a new state-of-the-art ballpark to secure the franchise’s long-term future in the region.
Zalupski, the MLB Control Person and Co-Chair of the Rays, emphasized a sense of responsibility in his opening remarks, stating, “This moment is not just about ownership. It’s about stewardship. We recognize the deep responsibility we now carry: to deliver a winning team on the field as Rays fans are accustomed to and deserve, and an unforgettable experience for our fans.”
The new group finalized the purchase of the Rays on September 30. Zalupski thanked former principal owner Stuart Sternberg for “building a franchise that is known for its innovation and success, and for trusting our group to carry that legacy forward.”
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Ballpark Search Underway for 2029 Goal
A key priority for the new owners is a new home for the team. Zalupski set an ambitious target, stating the ownership’s goal is to have a new ballpark in Tampa Bay ready for Opening Day 2029. He confirmed the Rays are already studying viable options in the region that meet the group’s criteria.
Rays Co-Chair Bill Cosgrove echoed the group’s vision, noting, “The Rays are woven into the fabric of this region. They represent something special—not just in baseball, but in the lives of the people who call this place home.”
Refurbished Tropicana Field for 2026 Season
While planning a new facility, the immediate focus includes the return to Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg for the 2026 season. Ken Babby, the Rays Chief Executive Officer overseeing day-to-day business operations, announced a significant refurbishment of the stadium, which was damaged by Hurricane Milton in 2024, forcing the team to play the 2025 season at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa.
“We promise the fan experience will be better than ever—with a new roof, new video board, a new sound system, and other improvements, including some funded directly by the Rays,” Babby said. “Tropicana Field is truly going to look better than it ever has.”
Commitment to Community and Rowdies
The new leadership also stressed their commitment to community engagement through the Rays Baseball Foundation and various volunteer efforts. “A great team uses its platform to celebrate great works in the community and to pitch in when the community needs help,” Babby remarked, pledging to maintain and strengthen the team’s strong bonds throughout Tampa Bay.
The transaction also included the acquisition of the USL Championship league team, the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Babby confirmed the Rays have no plans to sell the Rowdies and will support the organization as part of the new ownership structure.
The broader ownership group includes a robust slate of limited partners with deep regional ties and an executive advisory board featuring investors such as Will Weatherford, Dr. Rick Workman, and independent member Fred Ridley.
READ: Rays’ Slugger Junior Caminero Named 2025 Hank Aaron Award Finalist
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