Part 4/9:
In response to the mounting pressure, the Rays issued a statement asserting that the original deal remains active. Despite this declaration, underlying concerns lingered, particularly following President Brian Auld's earlier remarks suggesting the deal was "essentially dead" due to the two-month delay caused by natural disasters, such as Hurricane Idalia, and other bureaucratic obstacles.
The team's message expressed a glimmer of hope but simultaneously underscored their financial limitations. Specifically, the Rays stated they require assistance and cannot shouldering the costs to meet an updated timeline that pushes their stadium opening from 2028 to 2029.