Rays owner Stuart Sternberg wants to explore potential sites for a new ballpark throughout the Tampa Bay area. Sternberg doesn't believe that downtown St. Petersburg is not a viable location for a replacement for Tropicana Field. "I know the facts are too persuasive to ignore. Baseball will not work long term in downtown St. Petersburg," said Sternberg. "And I know that the Rays want to remain in Tampa Bay." The club's lease at Tropicana Field runs through 2027. Sternberg has said repeatedly that the Rays will not be playing in the domed stadium on the edge of downtown when that agreement expires.