MLB’s Tampa Bay Rays complete purchase of soccer team and stadium

The Tampa Bay Rays of MLB have purchased the USL Championship soccer club Tampa Bay Rowdies from local St Petersburg-based owner Bill Edwards. The Rays will also take over the existing contract with the City of St Petersburg for management of the landmark Al Lang Stadium, where the team will continue to play matches. Al Lang Stadium was previously the spring training home of the Rays from 1998 to 2008 before being converted to a soccer stadium for the Rowdies. Edwards, who purchased the Rowdies in 2013, spent millions of dollars on renovating the facility.