Hillsborough as possible site of Rays stadium?

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PINELLAS COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- In searching for a potential spot for a new Rays stadium, a panel has considered multiple locations in Hillsborough as well as some in Pinellas.

The group, called A Baseball Community has studied sites in Tampa's Westshore district, downtown Tampa and the state fairgrounds.

According to Bay News 9's partner newspaper, the St. Petersburg Times, the group is also looking for ways to gain business and fan support for the Rays.

Chairman Jeff Lyash, who is also the CEO of Progress Energy Florida, said the group expects detailed reports on five potential sites by August.

An analysis of each site would consider income levels in surrounding neighborhoods, population within a 30- to 45-minute drive and availability of land.

"We're not looking at any particular site," Lyash said.

Some critics argue that Tropicana Field is too far away to draw a lot of fans. Others say the Rays should stay in St. Petersburg because civic leaders worked hard to bring professional baseball there.

The baseball panel is also working on reports to determine the cost of financing a new stadium compared to $470 million it would cost torenovate Tropicana Field. 

They are also looking at the economic impact of the team on the Bay area and trends in stadium design.