Details and a June deadline emerge on $2.3B Tampa Bay Rays ballpark in Hillsborough

The Tampa Bay Rays are asking for over $1 billion in public money to build a new ballpark in Hillsborough County. They hope to have the stadium ready for the 2029 season in downtown Tampa.

The Rays released details about a memorandum of understanding in Hillsborough County after the Tampa Bay Times reported on the draft agreement for the new ballpark plan.

Rays CEO Ken Babby said that if the MOU is approved, working with local governments would be an important step for the team’s future in Tampa Bay.

“This Memorandum of Understanding marks an important step forward and reflects a responsible public-private partnership that can be achieved through open communication and a commitment to getting this right for the community,” Babby said in the statement. “We look forward to continuing these conversations with the County, City, TSA, Hillsborough College, and the community, as we refine the plan and move the process ahead.”

The draft MOU outlines a $2.3 billion plan for a stadium and mixed-use development at Hillsborough College’s Dale Mabry campus. The Rays would contribute at least $1.235 billion in private funding and pay for any extra construction costs. Public funding would be capped at about $1.065 billion, coming from sources like tourist development taxes and community investment tax funds.

The agreement proposes a 35-year lease, with options to extend for up to 15 more years in three-year increments. It also includes a non-relocation clause to keep the Rays in Tampa Bay for the long term.

The plan includes more than just a new ballpark. The Rays want to create a mixed-use entertainment district, similar to the Battery in Atlanta where the Braves play. Building it on the Dale Mabry campus would allow Hillsborough College to be part of the district, providing internships, jobs, and partnerships for students, businesses, and the team, according to team officials.

Gov. Ron DeSantis and other state officials have said they support the Rays’ plan to move to Tampa. DeSantis and his cabinet recently agreed to transfer state-owned land in the district to Hillsborough College to help with redevelopment.

The Rays’ statement does not give many details about how talks are going, and local officials have had mixed reactions. The plan still needs approval from the Hillsborough County Commission, Tampa City Council, other local groups, and Major League Baseball.

The MOU is still only a draft until local governments and the team approve it. The team’s request is now confirmed, but the public and local officials have until June 1 to keep the 2029 opening possible.