While the Rays' playoff hopes are fading, their chase for a new home is gaining ground.
"I think this could completely transform downtown but also the entire Tampa Bay Area," said Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan, who confirmed the county is close to announcing a location for a brand new Rays stadium in the Channel District-Ybor City area.
"I think we are very close to choosing a location that meets all the teams needs," Hagan said.
One area of focus is right outside the gates of Ybor City, right off Nuccio parkway. But bringing a ball park to this side of the bay has its challenges.
"We are dealing with multiple land owners and really trying to acquire the land necessary for the ball park location," said Hagan.
There's still the question of how they going to pay for it. One thing is for sure and that is that taxpayers will not be paying for all of it.
