PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — The owner of the Tampa Bay Rays, along with city leaders, are drumming up support ahead of Thursday’s vote on redevelopment of the Historic Gas Plant District.

The team held a “We’re Here to Stay” press conference this morning.

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Rays’ officials said they wanted to hold this event on the eve of the final St. Pete city council vote to show the support they’ve got and their gratitude.

The team’s principal owner Stu Sternberg said they’re on the cusp of getting a new ballpark, something the team has been trying to do for nearly 20 years.

Sternberg acknowledged there were some missteps along the way but said he wants everyone to know the organization is committed to the Tampa Bay region.

The St. Pete Chamber of Commerce and NAACP showed up in support of the $6.5-billion project.    

Sternberg said he’s got his fingers crossed about tomorrow’s vote, where the city would spend $429 million and sell 65 acres of public land, to the Rays.

Sternberg talked about garnering as much support as possible.

“I would put it on each and every one of you and myself and our staff as well to convert those who have been naysayers to all of this,” Sternberg said. “They don’t have to be rah-rah supporters but you know what, if they can at least take a step back and just accept what we’re trying to do and be a part of it and feel rewarded as opposed to saying ‘I told you so, I told you so’ kind of a thing.

“That would go a long way.”

Sternberg did not want to speculate on the vote, which needs five votes to pass.

During Tuesday’s meeting, city council members asked additional questions about the project. Mayor Ken Welch said he’s optimistic for tomorrow’s vote.

“A day in St. Pete’s history will look back on it and see this is the next step in a very long journey in almost four decades to really realize the promises of the Historic Gas Plant,” Welch said. “Great feedback from council as many of them said we incorporate a lot of their suggestions, made the agreement stronger.”

Even though Welch is hoping the deal goes through, there are community members speaking out against it.

A protest was held last night, where residents voiced their concerns.

Again, the city council will vote on this plan tomorrow.

If they approve it, it then goes to Pinellas County commissioners for a vote.

That is set for July 30.