ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — A push to change the name of the Tampa Bay Rays failed on Thursday.
St. Petersburg City Council considered a motion filed by Councilwoman Gina Driscoll to change the team’s name to the St. Petersburg Rays. However, Driscoll amended that motion after it received pushback.
Council instead passed an amended measure that does not require a name change. It requires the Mayor’s Office to present a report on how its working with the Tampa Bay Rays to elevate the City of St. Petersburg’s visibility.
Tampa Bay Rays President Brian Auld told council a name change would impact future plans for the Historic Gas Plant District.
“There will not be a new ballpark nor a development project if there is a requirement to change our franchise’s name” Auld said.
Although the baseball team has called St. Pete home for over 25 years, Auld believes a name change isn’t necessary.
“Our fans live throughout Tampa Bay and West Central Florida, and they come to St. Petersburg to watch our Rays play,” he said.
One resident told 8 On Your Side he supports a name change as the team is in the city and taxpayer money is helping fund a new stadium.
“It is not the partner of Tampa, it’s not the ugly stepchild of Tampa, it’s its own great city and deserves to get that recognition,” said Scott Kelly, a St. Pete resident.
