PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — The St. Petersburg City Council is set to discuss Thursday how to better enhance the city’s visibility with the Tampa Bay Rays.

The move stems from the aftermath of the development agreement with the team for a new ballpark.

The council had previously discussed seeking options to elevate the city’s prominence with the team, including a name change.

Council member Gina Driscoll said she brought the idea forward because many constituents think Tampa Bay really just means the city of Tampa.

But the Rays were quick to shoot down any idea of leaving Tampa Bay out of the team’s name.

“We are the Tampa Bay Rays. Our name is deliberately inclusive. Our fans live throughout Tampa Bay and central Florida,” said Rays Co-President Brian Auld, noting that other local professional sports teams are the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tampa Bay Lightning of the NHL. “There will not be a new ballpark nor development project if there’s a requirement to change our franchise’s name.”

Still, city officials, along with Visit St. Pete/Clearwater are in agreement with the team about increasing the city’s visibility with more signage at Tropicana Field.

The Rays also may work with MLB to wear uniforms highlighting “St. Petersburg” for at least one game during the season.

The new $1.3 billion ballpark unveiled in September would be located on the same 86-acre tract of downtown land where Tropicana Field now sits.

That domed stadium, which the Rays have called home since 1998, would be demolished. The deal would lock the Rays into their new home for at least 30 years, beginning in 2028, ending speculation the team would move to Tampa or perhaps another city.