City slammed for selling historic landmark to fund $205m upgrade for $3.4bn MLB franchise

Apr 27, 2026 - 09:30

The Philadelphia Phillies have been handed a positive update in their plans to renovate their spring training facility.

Pinellas County near Tampa in Florida has approved the largest portion of public funding for the Phillies’ $205m BayCare Ballpark spring training facility upgrade.

A general view of BayCare Ballpark at sunset during a spring training game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Yankees on March 25, 2021 at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, Florida. — The largest amount of public funding has been approved for BayCare Ballpark’s planned $205m renovation

The county approved a non-binding term sheet that states it will contribute $85m in tourist development tax money towards the project.

The vote passed 6-1, with only commissioner Brian Scott against the proposal which will renovate locker rooms, batting cages, and increase seating capacity at the venue.

City leaders say the improvements will support tourism and economic activity year-round.

City Councilmember David Allbritton described the team as a staple in the community.

“It’ll push our relationship to 100 years with the Phillies. I’m so happy, they’re like family to us in Clearwater,” Allbritton said, via FOX 13.

A final contract is expected to be negotiated over the next year. The Phillies hope to complete the project by spring 2029.

Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector highlighted the longevity of the partnership.

“It does take us to 100 years with the Phillies, and it’s the second-oldest relationship in Major League Baseball for spring training for any community,” Rector said.

The Phillies first requested $40m from the local government for an $80m renovation to the training complex, which is also home to its minor league affiliate the Clearwater Threshers.

County commissioners rejected the request at the time when the total project cost was estimated to be $300m.

R, FLORIDA - MARCH 25: A general view from the outfield pods at BayCare Ballpark during a spring training game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Yankees on March 25, 2021 at in Clearwater, Florida. — The agreement would mean the Phillies stay until 2047, which would mark 100 years at the stadium

The team has now updated its plans to include a residential, dining and shopping complex called Ballpark Village after purchasing 13 acres of land to the south of the venue for $22.5m in November 2023.

But the city generating the money to support the funding has been met with harsh criticism from residents of Clearwater.

City of Clearwater officials were forced to apologize after neighbors said they were blindsided by the pending sale of the historic National Guard Armory to a local food manufacturer.

City leaders said they followed legal protocols, but residents argued the process lacked the moral standard of community engagement.

Some residents had hoped the Armory would be transformed into a community event space or a job resource center.

It’s within the North Greenwood Community Redevelopment Area, established in 2023.

A general view of Bright House Field during a spring training baseball game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Yankees March 13, 2014 in in Clearwater, FL. The Phillies won 6-2. — Generating the funds for the renovation has faced criticism from residents

This allows for property tax revenue from new developments to go towards projects like road improvements that better the North Greenwood community.

City leaders have since apologized for how the process was communicated. Negotiations with the buyer are expected to continue before the sale is finalized.

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