A recent government meeting highlighted the significant economic impact anticipated from the construction of a new ballpark in Pinellas County, as detailed in the Victus report completed in January 2023. The project is expected to generate nearly $443 million in total economic output and create over 4,500 construction-related jobs, with new wages projected to exceed $417 million.
Once operational, the stadium is forecasted to contribute an annual economic impact of $465 million, supporting over 15,000 jobs across various sectors, including sports, entertainment, food and beverage, retail, hospitality, and transportation. This will also result in approximately $387 million in wages and $3.5 million in new sales and tourist development taxes.
The meeting also reviewed the economic benefits from recent non-baseball events held at Tropicana Field. For instance, January's WWE Royal Rumble generated an economic impact of $47 million, while the 2021 Enchant Christmas event brought in nearly $30 million.
In addition to the economic benefits, the city will have designated use days for community events at the new stadium, with Stadco covering initial expenses for these events. The city will also receive tickets for various events, including 5,000 tickets per season for low-income families, distributed through nonprofit organizations.
The city aims to enhance its brand visibility through this project, with plans for media recognition during construction, promotional opportunities at events, and dedicated game days celebrating the city. The initiative is designed not only to boost the local economy but also to foster community engagement and pride in the region's rich baseball history.