ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Officials in Pinellas County are set to begin a final, deep dive into the Rays Gas Plant development plan. 

The St. Pete city council will hold the first of two discussions on the agreement on May 9.

The massive redevelopment plan for the Tropicana Field site and surrounding area includes a new ballpark for the team and it would cement their place in Tampa Bay for decades. The plan also calls for the Rays and Hines Development Group to buy nearly 36 acres for $105 million.

The new ballpark is expected to cost $1.2 billion. The 30,000-seat domed facility will be built near the current Tropicana Field site as part of the 86-acre Historic Gas Plant District redevelopment.

During Phase One, an African-American history museum, 1,500 residential units, a 500-room hotel are planned, along with office space, stores and the new ball park.

If approved, construction would begin early next year.

The ballpark is expected to be ready for opening day in 2028.