Tampa Bay Rays Unveil Plans for New Stadium

The Tampa Bay Rays announced plans today for a snazzy new home.

Now all they need is $450 million and a team that doesn't find its way to last place in the American League East every summer.

The HOK Sports-led ballpark's design is targeted for the current waterfront site of Al Lang Field. The design features a retractable, cable-supported fabric roof that will shield the facility during rain and heat.

"Our vision is to build a breath-taking and contemporary waterfront ballpark," Rays owner Stuart Sternberg said. "It will be an iconic landmark for the entire Tampa Bay region and showcase all that is great about Major League Baseball in the State of Florida."

The Rays also announced a partnership with international real estate firm Hines to create a site plan for redevelopment of the Rays' current home, Tropicana Field, and its surrounding property.

Opening for the new ballpark, assuming voter approval next November, is targeted for 2012, when for the sake of baseball fans in Tampa, the Rays will have a pitching staff beyond Scott Kazmir.