St. Pete Approves Archaeological Digs at Tropicana Field Parking Lot After Possible Graves Detected

Radar scans found what could be several graves beneath the surface of the parking lot near the Tampa Bay Rays' stadium.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The city of St. Petersburg, Florida has approved archaeological digs at a parking lot near Tropicana Field, home of the MLB's Tampa Bay Rays, after radar scans detected what could be several graves beneath the surface. The area was once home to several cemeteries, and the city will now excavate select areas to determine if the radar signals indicate actual burial sites.

Why it matters

The potential discovery of unmarked graves in the Tropicana Field parking lot raises concerns about the history of the land and the treatment of marginalized communities who may have been buried there. This investigation could shed light on the city's past and lead to proper recognition and repatriation of any remains found.

The details

Researchers using ground-penetrating radar previously detected seven to 10 possible graves at what was once the site of Oaklawn Cemetery. City council has now approved the next phase of the investigation, allowing archaeologists to carefully excavate select areas to determine whether the radar signals indicate actual burial sites. The area near Tropicana Field was once home to several cemeteries, including Evergreen Cemetery, a historically Black cemetery, and Moffett Cemetery, a veterans cemetery. Records show graves from those sites were believed to have been relocated decades ago.

  • The city council approved the archaeological investigation on March 6, 2026.
  • The digs are expected to begin after the baseball season ends.
  • A report on the findings is expected within about 90 days after the work is completed.

The players

Derick Kilborn

The city's planning director who discussed the purpose of the upcoming archaeological investigation.

Tampa Bay Rays

The MLB team that plays its home games at Tropicana Field, the site of the potential unmarked graves.

Oaklawn Cemetery

A former cemetery located in the area that is believed to have had graves detected by the ground-penetrating radar.

Evergreen Cemetery

A historically Black cemetery that was once located in the area near Tropicana Field.

Moffett Cemetery

A veterans cemetery that was once located in the area near Tropicana Field.

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What they’re saying

“The purpose of phase three … is to now do the archaeological investigation, go down, see what are these anomalies.”

— Derick Kilborn, City Planning Director

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This investigation into the potential unmarked graves near Tropicana Field highlights the importance of acknowledging and properly addressing the history of marginalized communities in the area. The findings could lead to important recognition and repatriation efforts, as well as raise broader questions about the treatment of cemeteries and burial grounds in the past.