The retractable roofs would cost an estimated $100 million and would provide a comfortable air conditioned atmosphere for the team to play in April and May, and also during the swampy season. The final recommendations are scheduled to be submitted later this month.
Stadium authorities are in favor of integrating a fully closed roof with air conditioning, but this would cost more than $450 million for the waterfront proposal, while the complete project is estimated to cost $550 to $600-million.
The location and available technology would decide the design of the roof for the ballpark. The integration of a retractable roof would require more space as the stadium would have to be enclosed in walls to provide support to the roof.
Apart from an un-openable roof, the stadium also features natural grass. The ballpark also proposes to include wider concourses, ergonomically designed seats and clear fieldviews.
The design of the roof at Miller Park in Milwaukee is also being considered for the stadium. It has a seven panel roof that moves on tracks, and opens and closes within 10 minutes. On opening, the panels are concealed behind the edge of the ballpark integrating one above the other.
Furthermore, the stadium committee also gave recommendations for the construction of a new stadium that can accommodate 37,000 people (and no more than 40,000 visitors), integrated into a light rail or mass transit project.
Downtown St Petersburg, the Gateway area in north St Petersburg, the West Shore area in Tampa, downtown Tampa and the area near the state fairgrounds in east Hillsborough County, are being considered for the project.
