On February 18, 2026, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the state Cabinet were scheduled to review a proposal involving 22 acres of state-owned land at Hillsborough Community College’s Dale Mabry Campus. The land, held by the state since 1947 and leased to HCC since 1968, could become part of the Tampa Bay Rays’ 113‑acre mixed‑use stadium development in Tampa .
Stadium & Development Plan
The Rays’ new ownership group, which purchased the team in 2025, aims to lease most of the 113 acres for at least 99 years. Their vision mirrors Atlanta’s The Battery — a ballpark surrounded by retail, housing, entertainment, and educational facilities — with a target opening in 2029 before the Tropicana Field lease expires in 2028 .
HCC would relocate to a newly built section of the southwest campus, with the Rays guaranteeing no disruption during construction. A non‑binding MOU approved in January 2026 allows HCC to choose its own developer and outlines the need for public‑private partnerships with Tampa and Hillsborough County.
Political & MLB Support
DeSantis has publicly backed the project, saying “baseball belongs in Tampa Bay,” while pledging state help for infrastructure — not stadium construction. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has also endorsed the plan as a potential long‑term home for the franchise. As of February 18, no Cabinet decision had been announced .
Stadium Cost & Funding
The proposed ballpark carries an estimated $2.3 billion price tag. Zalupski has offered to cover roughly half — about $1.15 billion — plus any overruns. The remaining share would require public financing from Hillsborough County, the City of Tampa, and possible state infrastructure support. Rising construction costs have pushed the project nearly $1 billion higher than the failed St. Petersburg plan.
Economic Impact
The full 113‑ to 120‑acre development could reach $8–10 billion in private investment. Independent analysis projects:
- $34 billion in total economic impact
- 11,900 permanent jobs
- 10 million annual visitors
Hillsborough County is conducting its own cost verification before entering final negotiations.
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