Dive Brief:
- The Tampa Bay Rays want a new manager, but not in the clubhouse. The Major League Baseball franchise has issued a request for qualifications, seeking a construction manager at risk for a new ballpark estimated to cost $2.3 billion.
- Issued June 29 and obtained by public radio station WUSF, the RFQ set a series of deadlines that includes a statement of qualifications by July 28, with an official selection announcement scheduled for Aug. 14.
- It’s the latest news in the franchise’s stadium saga, wherein hurricanes and cost considerations have altered plans and timelines. The team first unveiled this vision of their new ballpark in March.
Dive Insight:
Due to the size and scope of the megaprojects, most major professional sports venues are delivered under the construction manager at risk method.
The Rays expect the St. Petersburg, Florida, stadium to take up about 1.3 million gross square feet with a minimum capacity of 28,000 fixed seats, potentially with the option to expand for special occasions, such as concerts or global sporting events.
For the construction timeline, the RFQ lists a substantial completion and occupancy date of Dec. 31, 2028, with target final completion by March 1, 2029. The stadium will need to be ready for MLB’s opening day in 2029; for reference, the first regular season MLB game this year was March 25.
“It is anticipated that the CM will be a nationally recognized sports builder possessing extensive experience in the construction of major enclosed sports facilities,” the RFQ reads.
The Rays have already selected Kansas City, Missouri-based Populous to design the project.
