The Rays are finalizing plans for a new stadium, which means MLB expansion could be on deck

The Tampa Bay Rays are finalizing plans for a new ballpark in downtown St. Petersburg, which is a positive development for baseball fans in Florida.

Click here to read the story at ap.com.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why have the Rays been lobbying for a new ballpark?
2. Why do you think it has taken so long for them to get approval on a new ballpark?
3. What is revenue?
4. Why is revenue important to a sports team like the Rays?
5. How might a new stadium help the franchise to generate more revenue?
6. What is expansion as it relates to a professional sports league like Major League Baseball?
7. Why might a new stadium deal for the Rays indicate MLB expansion could be in the future?
8. Why would MLB want to expand?
9. What is an expansion fee?
10. According to this story, what cities might be contenders for a MLB expansion franchise?
11. Why might those cities want a MLB franchise?