Overview
- The proposal targets a 113-acre Hillsborough College site on Dale Mabry for a mixed-use College District, with most of the land to be ground-leased to the team for up to 99 years and college facilities relocated on-site.
- The Rays say they will cover at least 50% of stadium construction and commit to future repairs and cost overruns, with the balance proposed through public tools such as tourist taxes, ticket surcharges, community redevelopment funds, and special districts.
- The Hillsborough County Commission discusses the plan Wednesday, and any financing framework will also require consideration by the Tampa City Council and the Tampa Sports Authority.
- Gov. Ron DeSantis backs the project but ruled out direct state funding, noting the state could assist with road work and relocating a nearby juvenile justice facility.
- Team renderings are promised in the coming days, the Rays return to a repaired Tropicana Field for 2026 under a lease that runs through at least 2028, and MLB’s Rob Manfred pressed for progress while acknowledging alternatives exist in Florida.