The Brief

TAMPA - The new ownership group of the Rays affirmed their commitment to keeping the team in the Tampa Bay area during their first press conference on Tuesday morning.

New Owner Patrick Zalupski, Co-chair Bill Cosgrove and CEO Ken Babby expressed their hope for a new era of Rays baseball while silencing any questions on whether the team might leave town.

What they're saying:

"It is our first and highest priority to find that home here in Tampa Bay. We understand the history and how important it is to get it right for the fans, our employees, the entire Tampa Bay region and Major League Baseball," Zalupski said.

The trio says their plan involves an ambitious goal of having a new ballpark ready by the 2029 season.

"We want to be methodical, and we will have purpose and visi

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