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Proposed Tampa Bay Rays stadium

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(Redirected from Dale Mabry Stadium)

Proposed Tampa Bay Rays stadium
Rendering of proposed stadium
Map
Interactive map of Proposed Tampa Bay Rays stadium
LocationTampa, Florida, U.S.
Coordinates27°58′29″N 82°30′23″W / 27.97472°N 82.50639°W / 27.97472; -82.50639
Capacity31,000
TypeBallpark
RoofSkylight
Acreage113
Construction
GroundbreakingSeptember 2026 (planned)
Opened2029 (planned)
CostUS$2.3 billion (estimate)
ArchitectPopulous[1]
Tenant
Tampa Bay Rays (MLB) (expected 2029)
Website
https://newballpark.raysbaseball.com/

A new indoor ballpark is proposed to be built at the Hillsborough College campus in Tampa, Florida. If constructed, it would serve as the home of the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball (MLB). This is the latest proposal for a new Tampa Bay Rays stadium, in addition to Gas Plant Stadium proposed in 2023, Ybor Stadium proposed in 2018 and Rays Ballpark proposed in 2007. The Rays have played in Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg since their inaugural season in 1998, with the exception of the 2025 season at George M. Steinbrenner Field as a result of the impact of Hurricane Milton.

The plan for the stadium and adjacent development is inspired by The Battery associated with Truist Park, home ballpark of the Atlanta Braves.[2][3][4][5][6] This 31,000 seat ballpark is projected to open in time for the 2029 MLB season, which follows the end of the team's contract to play at Tropicana Field through the 2028 season. The push for a new home for the Rays is due to the cost replacing the roof at Tropicana Field, plus other maintenance costs associated with the stadium which was built in 1990.[7] Construction of the ballpark is scheduled to begin in 2026.

Background

[edit]

On January 20, 2026, the Board of Trustees for Hillsborough College unanimously approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for initiating discussion to negotiate a contract to build a baseball stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays.[8][9] In addition to this MOU, the organization still needed approval from Tampa City Council and the Hillsborough County Commission prior to beginning construction.

As part of the development process, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis indicated that the state owned land on which Hillsborough College sat would be transferred to the institution, then the Rays would then negotiate directly with the college. DeSantis further stated that state funding would not likely be used to directly fund the stadium.[10]

On February 4, the Hillsborough County Commission unanimously approved a proposal to pursue financial framework to help finance the stadium.[11]

This plan gained support of Commissioner of Baseball Rob Manfred, DeSantis and the team actively courted the community surrounding the stadium development. At MLB's quarterly meeting, Manfred stated he was supportive of the work of the new owners and was optimistic about the project going forward.[12]

Hillsborough College would see ancillary benefit from this project. With a number of buildings on campus at 50 years old, upkeep costs have become increasingly expensive.[13]

On May 14, the team presented a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding the preliminary terms for the stadium project.[14]

On May 20, the Hillsborough County Commissioners formally approved this MOU with a 5-2 vote.[15] The same day, the Hillsborough College Board of Trustees unanimously approved the issue of a lease of 99 years to the Rays to build the stadium on college land.[16] The following day, the Tampa City Council approved the same MOU on a vote of 4–3.[17]

On August 27, Tampa City Council approved their contract with the Rays by a vote of 4–3. This agreement covers an obligation of $80 million, split into four equal payments, for stadium development on the 115 acre area currently occupied by Hillsborough College.[18][19] The following day, Hillsborough County approved their deal with the Rays on a vote of 5–2, worth a total of nearly $800 million in funding.[20][21]

Groundbreaking is scheduled to take place in September 2026, with the goal to have the stadium completed and ready for Opening Day in 2029.[22]

Funding

[edit]

Initial estimates of the cost for just the stadium are set at $2.3 billion, based on cost estimates provided by Skanska. Additional funds would be needed for the surrounding development and relocation of the Hillsborough College buildings. The Rays are seeking a private/public partnership to help fund the stadium. The Tampa Sports Authority has been involved in these discussions.[23][24] The team is expected to fund over half of the cost of the initial stadium build, in addition to any renovations, maintenance or repairs incurred over the life of the stadium. Potential funding by Hillsborough County would be sourced from bonds issued by a Community development district surrounding the stadium and tourist facing taxes such as hotel bed fees and the tax on short-term rentals.[25]

It was estimated that the commission was willing to commit $800 million in bonds to help fund the project, which was less than the estimated $1.15 billion in public funds needed for the project. Part of the discussion revolved around how much "community investment" tax would be required for use in funding.[26] Any future funding proposals would be presented to the Tampa Sports Authority, the city of Tampa and the Hillsborough County commission.[27]

On February 24, 2026, the Florida Cabinet and DeSantis granted an adjacent 22 acre property to Hillsborough College, which was included in the negotiation of this ballpark district.[28]

On March 13, 2026, the team sought a $467 million funding stream from Hillsborough County sales tax sources. Many Hillsborough County Commissioners (Joshua Wostal, Donna Cameron Cepeda and Gwen Myers) publicly opposed using Community Investment Tax, the county’s half-cent sales tax, to fund stadiums. Commissioner Ken Hagan stated that he believed the stadium deal would not move forward without this funding. An additional potential funding source could come from Hillsborough County's 6% tax on short-term lodging. A vote on approving this allocation had the potential to happen as early as April 1, although Commmissioner Wostal hstated that he believed there had been insufficitient public feedback.[29]

In a report commissioned by the Tampa Sports Authority and analyzed by Skanska, the estimated cost of the stadium could have rise as much as $300 million due to construction due to weight and complexity of the roof design and material. Per the report, the "grid shell roof" was also susceptible to storm debri. In response, team CEO Ken Babby reiterated the team's commitment to financing this or any other construction cost overrun.[30]

A draft memorandum of understanding (MOU) was released on April 9, 2026, which included non-specific public funding sources for the stadium. Still to be determined at the date of release was the "Sources and Uses" language which needed to be finalized prior to the finalization of the agreement. As of this draft, the team was willing to commit up to $1.235 billion in funding of the estimated $2.3 billion in cost of the stadium. The remaining roughly $1 billion would be split between the county at $750 million and the city at $251 million. An approval on June 1, 2026 would keep the project on track to open by the start of the 2029 baseball season. The CIT (community investment tax) remained a sticking point for funding, as this was seen as "off limits" to help fund new stadiums, though the team is looking into alternative public funding sources.[31] Other public funding could come from tourist taxes or from the site itself (Community Reinvestment Act/CRA), but those totals were still undetermined. All funding needed to be specified and subsequently approved by Hillsborough County and the city of Tampa, before ultimately being approved by MLB.[32]

Included in the preliminary Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) presented on May 14, 2026, public funding settled at $976 million. Of that, $796 million came from Hillsborough County ($360 million from Community Investment Tax, $303 million from Tourist Development Tax, $103 million from other unspecified county funds, $30 million (approximately) from HUD disaster recovery reimbursement funds) and $180 million from the city of Tampa ($100 million from CRA/tax-increment funding, $80 million from Community Investment Tax).[33]

On June 29, 2026, DeSantis signed the 2026-27 Florida state budget, which included a $50 million line item allocated to relocate Hillsborough College to a different footprint within the existing Dale Mabry campus site and relevant infrastructure. College president Dr. Ken Atwater stated that the rebuilt campus would occupy 10-15 acres of the proposed 130 development site.[34]

On July 17, AECOM Hunt/Turner was chosen as the construction manager for this project. A five member committee including Dr. Ken Atwater from Hillsborough College and Matt Silverman from the Rays ranked AECOM Hunt and Turner construction as the top ranked firm out of four who submitted bids. This came prior to any approval from either the Tampa City Council or the Hillsborough County Commission.[35]

Per final approval from the Tampa City County and Hillsborough Commission, the city of Tampa is responsible for $80 million, while Hillsborough County is responsible for $796 million.[36][37]

Project layout

[edit]

The site would included a baseball stadium in the southeast corner of the property along Dale Mabry Highway in the "Champions Corner" section. Hillsborough College relocating to the southwest portion of the property in the "Innovation Edge". This construction would not be part of the ballpark construction, but operated by Hillsborough College. Supplemental development would also be built in the northwest portion of the property in "The Canopy" section.[38][39][40][41] The size of the entire project is estimated to be 113 acres, with the ballpark itself occupying a smaller section thereof.[42] In an effort to make the site available for year-round use, the land around the stadium is anticipated to included residences, retail, restaurants and bars.[43] The entire development, stadium plus additional amenities across the 113 acre site, could total $8-10 billion in combined total investment.[44] Rays ownership cited ease of entry and exit as a priority for this project.[45]

The first stadium renderings were released on the project website on February 5, 2026. Contained on the official website, economics impact provided by RCLCO include: $34 billion in economic impact over 30 years, 9.8 million annual visitors and 11,908 estimated new on-site jobs.[46][47]

Of the proposed 113 acres of development overall, 22 acres would be designated for use for Hillsborough College specifically.[48]

On July 1, the Rays began the search for a construction manager for the construction project, with a final decision made by August 14. This position would only cover stadium construction, not construction for Hillsborough College or any of the surrounding mixed use development. The team made this announcement after the non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) passed by the Hillsborough County Commission and Tampa City Council, but before any binding votes. A list of stadium specifics was outlined in the announcement, including a rays tank similar to what is found in Tropicana Field.[49] Later in the month, the Rays revealed the first interior renderings of the ballpark.[1]

On August 26, 2026, Hillsborough College contracted with Pure Project Management LLC of Philadelphia to manage the development of the next phase of the Dale Mabry campus. This firm has previous connections to the community with its work with USF of multiple projects. As of this date, HC has received $50 million of up to $215 million needed for this project. Although the Patel Allied Health Center and science buildings are scheduled to remain operational beyond this construction, many of the existing buildings are scheduled to be replaced. Once funding and approvals are in place, construction could start as early as Fall 2026.[50]

References

[edit]
  1. 1 2 Berry, Adam (July 8, 2026). "Rays reveal first interior renderings of proposed ballpark in Tampa". MLB.com.
  2. ↑ "Tampa Bay Rays' ballpark quest takes step forward with possible Hillsborough College site". Associated Press News. January 20, 2026.
  3. ↑ Rojas, Josh (October 7, 2025). "Tampa Bay Rays' new owners share plans for team, new stadium, championship aspirations". Bay News 9. Archived from the original on October 9, 2025. Retrieved January 23, 2026.
  4. ↑ Mayer, Rick; Newborn, Steve (October 7, 2025). "New Rays owners offer criteria for Tampa-area stadium search, with a plan to open by 2029". WUSF.
  5. ↑ Mayer, Rick (January 22, 2026). "What if the Rays can't build on Hillsborough College land? Don't forget Orlando". WUSF.
  6. ↑ Moske, Nina; Villamil, Nicolas; Marques, Lucy; Topkin, Marc (February 3, 2026). "DeSantis, MLB commissioner say Rays 'belong in Tampa Bay'". Tampa Bay Times.
  7. ↑ Frisaro, Freida (January 28, 2026). "DeSantis, MLB commissioner say Rays 'belong in Tampa Bay'". Associated Press. Archived from the original on February 3, 2026. Retrieved February 25, 2026.
  8. ↑ Moske, Nina; Wright, Colleen; Marques, Lucy (January 20, 2026). "Hillsborough College board approves plan to pursue Rays stadium deal". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on January 21, 2026. Retrieved January 21, 2026.
  9. ↑ Moske, Nina; Villamil, Nicolas; Marques, Lucy (January 20, 2026). "The Rays have a stadium site. What will it take to build a ballpark?". Tampa Bay Times.
  10. ↑ LLovio, Louis (February 3, 2026). "DeSantis, MLB commissioner support Tampa Bay Rays' stadium plans". Business Observer.
  11. ↑ Rojas, Josh (February 4, 2026). "Commissioners agree to move Rays' Hillsborough College stadium talks forward". Bay News 9.
  12. ↑ Topkin, Marc (February 12, 2026). "Rob Manfred, MLB owners offer praise, support for Rays' stadium plan". Tampa Bay Times.
  13. ↑ Lenning, Jason (February 24, 2026). "Florida Cabinet approves land gift to Hillsborough College for Rays Stadium". Bay News 9.
  14. ↑ "Rays, Hillsborough County agree to preliminary terms on new stadium". Bay News 9. May 14, 2026.
  15. ↑ Mayer, Rick; Newborn, Steve (May 20, 2026). "Hillsborough commission passes Rays stadium agreement. Tampa City Council votes next". WUSF.
  16. ↑ "Tampa Bay Rays stadium plan advances in 5-2 county vote". Fox 13. May 20, 2026.
  17. ↑ Moske, Nina (May 21, 2026). "Tampa City Council narrowly approves nonbinding Rays stadium deal". Tampa Bay Times.
  18. ↑ Mayer, Rick (August 27, 2026). "Tampa City Council approves Rays stadium deal. It's up to Hillsborough commissioners". WUSF.
  19. ↑ Ridley, Rob (August 28, 2026). "Tampa gives green light to Rays ballpark deal".
  20. ↑ "Rays stadium deal: Hillsborough County Commissioners approve funding for $2.3B ballpark project". Fox 13 Tampa Bay. August 28, 2026.
  21. ↑ Mayer, Rick (August 28, 2026). "Done deal: A new Rays stadium in Tampa gets clinching Hillsborough County approval". WUSF.
  22. ↑ DeVine, Blake (August 30, 2026). "Tampa Bay Rays eye September groundbreaking for 2.3 billion ballpark". Fox 13. Archived from the original on September 2, 2026. Retrieved September 2, 2026.
  23. ↑ Wright, Colleen (January 27, 2026). "Rays stadium at Tampa's Hillsborough College could cost $2.3 billion". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on January 29, 2026. Retrieved January 28, 2026.
  24. ↑ Dangerfield, Dalia (January 28, 2026). "Councilman pushes Rays to pay for new stadium; team CEO says partnership needed". Bay News 9.
  25. ↑ Villamil, Nicolas (February 2, 2026). "Rays tell Hillsborough they'll cover at least 50% of Tampa stadium cost". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on February 2, 2026. Retrieved February 2, 2026.
  26. ↑ Rojas, Josh (February 4, 2026). "Commissioners agree to move Rays' Hillsborough College stadium talks forward". Bay News 9. Archived from the original on February 5, 2026. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
  27. ↑ Frisaro, Freida (February 3, 2026). "Florida's DeSantis and MLB commissioner support new Rays stadium in Tampa". Associated Press.
  28. ↑ Lanning, Jason (February 24, 2026). "Florida Cabinet approves land gift to Hillsborough College for Rays Stadium". Bay News 9.
  29. ↑ Villamil, Nicolas (March 13, 2026). "Hillsborough stadium talks with Rays center on $467M sales tax ask". Tampa Bay Times.
  30. ↑ Wright, Colleen; Villamil, Nicolas (March 16, 2026). "Proposed Rays stadium roof would cost at least $300 million more". Tampa Bay Times.
  31. ↑ Villamil, Nicolas; Moske, Nina (April 9, 2026). "See draft framework for deal between Rays, Hillsborough, Tampa". Tampa Bay Times.
  32. ↑ Espy, Joe; Axelrod, Evan (April 9, 2026). "Tampa Bay Rays release memorandum outlining framework for new $2.3B stadium plan in Hillsborough County". Fox 13.
  33. ↑ Newborn, Steve (May 15, 2026). "If Rays' stadium MOU got local OKs, work would begin 'to hash out every single detail'". WUSF.
  34. ↑ Newborn, Steve (June 30, 2026). "DeSantis restates support for Rays stadium with $50 million budgeted for Hillsborough College". WUSF.
  35. ↑ Romano, John (August 17, 2026). "Rays choose a familiar name as contractor for proposed stadium". Tampa Bay Times.
  36. ↑ Mayer, Rick (August 27, 2026). "Tampa City Council approves Rays stadium deal. It's up to Hillsborough commissioners". WUSF.
  37. ↑ Mayer, Rick (August 28, 2026). "Done deal: A new Rays stadium in Tampa gets clinching Hillsborough County approval". WUSF.
  38. ↑ Berry, Adam (January 20, 2026). "Rays enter non-binding agreement to pursue stadium plan at Hillsborough College". MLB.com. Archived from the original on January 26, 2026. Retrieved January 21, 2026.
  39. ↑ Newborn, Steve (January 20, 2026). "Hillsborough College opens talks on building Rays' ballpark on campus land". WUSF.
  40. ↑ Tucker, Rachel; Patterson, Jeff; Parker, Marilyn (January 20, 2026). "Hillsborough College board approves proposal for Rays stadium on Dale Mabry campus". WFLA. Archived from the original on January 21, 2026. Retrieved January 21, 2026.
  41. ↑ Axelbank, Evan; Curtis, Genevieve (January 20, 2026). "Rays, Hillsborough College enter 'Memo of Understanding' to start developing stadium, campus plans". Fox 13. Archived from the original on January 21, 2026. Retrieved January 23, 2026.
  42. ↑ Cowan, Kellie; Massarelli, Katelyn (February 3, 2026). "Tampa Bay Rays backed by DeSantis, MLB commissioner for potential stadium deal with Hillsborough College". Fox 13.
  43. ↑ "Gov. DeSantis, others, lend support to Rays' stadium proposal". Bay News 9. February 3, 2026. Archived from the original on February 4, 2026. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
  44. ↑ Cowan, Kellie; Axelbank, Evan (February 4, 2026). "Tampa Bay Rays' massive development plans revealed by Hillsborough commissioners". Fox 13.
  45. ↑ Newcomb, Tim (February 20, 2026). "Renderings Show Vision Of Tampa Bay Rays Proposed Stadium At New Site". Forbes.
  46. ↑ "Tampa Bay Rays".
  47. ↑ "Rays share initial renderings for new proposed ballpark". MLB. February 5, 2026.
  48. ↑ Villamil, Nicolas; Moske, Nina (February 20, 2026). "How will the Rays use Hillsborough College's land for a stadium?". Tampa Bay Times.
  49. ↑ Mayer, Rick (July 1, 2026). "'Time is of the essence': Rays begin search for stadium construction manager". WUSF.
  50. ↑ Marques, Lucy (August 27, 2026). "Hillsborough College picks firm for $215M redevelopment around Rays stadium". Tampa Bay Times.
[edit]
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