Rays’ waterfront ballpark plan takes a setback

“The public dialogue we’ve had throughout this effort has been very encouraging, but there has not been sufficient support for the timeline that we put forth that would have resulted in a November referendum,” team president Matt Silverman said.

“One important thing that this dialogue has confirmed to us is that projects of this magnitude can not be built alone. It takes an entire region to support a major league baseball team, and it takes community vision and leadership to build a ballpark. It must be a process that brings people together.”

But building on precious waterfront property that sits on the edge of Tampa Bay would require the approval of voters.

While the Rays haven’t given up on the scenic location, the coalition will examine alternative sites, as well as discuss other ways to ensure the “long-term stability and vitality” of the franchise, Silverman said.

“I think the waterfront stadium is a viable option. I wouldn’t foreclose that as an option going forward just because I think what we want to do is step back very broadly and try to identify all the possibilities,” said Progress Energy president Jeff Lyash, who will head the coalition.