STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF THE TAMPA BAY RAYS 2020 EFFORT

October 17, 2018

The Tampa Downtown Partnership, a non-profit 501(C)(6) organization, serves as a steward of Downtown Tampa, cultivating public and private collaborations and encouraging Downtown’s physical and economic development.  As a proactive leadership organization representing business, residents, and merchants, the Tampa Downtown Partnership offers full support of the Tampa Bay Rays 2020 effort to bring baseball to Tampa.

Representing over 225 member companies, 8,100 residents, and 66,500 employees, the Tampa Downtown Partnership believes that the Tampa Bay Rays enhance the community, and like the other local professional sports teams, we recognize the role sports play as a regional economic driver and asset.

We believe that the Ybor City site location is the best possible location for a new state-of-the-art ball park.  A new ballpark will help enhance the urban core and allow Tampa Bay to continue to compete with other communities throughout the country as an ideal location for businesses and talent.  The Ybor City location will be easily accessible for the entire region and provide an opportunity for more fans to support baseball and the surrounding businesses.

Recognizing that the input from the business community is key to Tampa Bay Rays 2020, the Tampa Downtown Partnership encourages our members and stakeholders to join us in supporting this effort.  Our members and their employees are asked to show their support by signing the petition at Tampabayrays2020.com and by considering their commitment to the team through tickets and sponsorships.

As a community, we understand the importance of support.  We encourage other business and community organizations throughout Tampa Bay to do the same by showing their support for bringing the Tampa Bay Rays to Tampa.

Respectfully Submitted by:

Mickey Jacob, FAIA, NCARB, Tampa Downtown Partnership, Chairman

Linda Remund, Tampa Downtown Partnership, Acting President & CEO