Rays' Sternberg confident in getting new ballpark

Rays owner Stuart Sternberg said yesterday during the team's season opener that he is "confident" they will get the deal approved to build a new ballpark in St. Petersburg. Sternberg: "As we sit here today, the end of March, I feel as positive as I have at any point in time." The $1.3B ballpark would see the Rays commit $700M, with the remaining contributions "subject to approval" from the St. Petersburg City Council and Pinellas County Commission. Members of both groups have "raised some questions and opposition." Sternberg: "The votes, plural, are huge hurdles. We are working feverishly as if we’re going to be building the stadium and this project." Sternberg said that work "is being done" with area leaders and officials, as well with the companies involved in the project (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 3/28).