Local builders and contractors group urges support for Rays stadium, as reports indicate possible $1B ask

The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Florida Gulf Coast Chapter is urging elected officials in Tampa and Hillsborough County to support the proposed Tampa Bay Rays stadium and affiliated development project at Hillsborough College.

The support comes as the Tampa Bay Rays are expected to unveil terms of a potential stadium deal next week, including a potentially more than $1 billion public ask, according to the Tampa Bay Business Journal.

The outlet reported that sources said details may become public Wednesday in a draft agenda for the April 1 Hillsborough County Commission meeting.

The group, which represents more than 650 member companies across the region and is one of the largest construction associations in the Southeast, said the project is a generational opportunity to create thousands of jobs across multiple industries, while also strengthening the region’s economic future.

“A project of this scale is about much more than baseball,” said Steve Cona III, President and CEO of ABC’s Florida Gulf Coast Chapter. “It will create thousands of jobs across construction, hospitality, retail, operations, and tourism while generating new economic activity throughout our region.”

The ABC encouragement comes after, late last month, state officials formally approved land conveyance in Hillsborough County, furthering the project’s potential.

Gov. Ron DeSantis and members of the Cabinet, sitting as the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, voted to convey approximately 22 acres of non-conservation land to Hillsborough College.

Development concepts on a website established for the project show renderings depicting a modern, enclosed ballpark surrounded by a dense, pedestrian-oriented district organized into four themed areas.

The team projects nearly 12,000 on-site jobs, millions of annual visitors and $34 billion in direct economic impact over 30 years, figures that have not been independently verified.

Still, ABC envisions a prosperous project, even if the numbers change as details emerge.

“Major developments like this support entire ecosystems of jobs,” Cona said. “From the men and women who build the project to the people who operate restaurants, hotels, shops, and entertainment venues, the economic impact reaches far beyond the jobsite.”

ABC also emphasized the importance of projects that expand the region’s economic base and create opportunities for local workers and businesses.

In January, the Hillsborough College Board of Trustees unanimously approved a non-binding memorandum of understanding authorizing staff to begin negotiations with the Rays. The Hillsborough County Commission followed on Feb. 4, unanimously authorizing County Administrator Bonnie Wise to begin formal negotiations with the Rays and their partners over potential public funding for the project.

“Tampa Bay continues to grow because leaders are willing to invest in projects that strengthen the regional economy,” Cona said. “This development represents an opportunity to create jobs, attract investment, and build something that will benefit our community for decades.”

As further details are being hashed out behind the scenes, ABC said it’s also willing to do its part.

“The construction industry stands ready to help deliver projects that support economic growth and opportunity for our entire region,” Cona said.