Rays hold events to thank the community prior to critical city council vote [Video]

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — Thursday is a critical vote by the St. Petersburg City Council for the future of the Tampa Bay Rays.

After months of negotiations, city council is set to vote on a multi-billion dollar plan to build a new stadium and develop the land around it.

Advocacy group steps up to the plate to battle Tampa Bay Rays proposed stadium

Team officials held an event to thank the community in advance of the vote.

“I know when this gets done, crossing our fingers, it’s going to be an amazing project,” said Rays principal owner Stu Sternberg.

The Rays are planning to build a 1.3 billion dollar ballpark and develop 86 acres around it. The development around the stadium will include housing, stores, restaurants and a planned African American History Museum.

The local chapter of the NAACP and others say they are now in favor of the …