Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet took a major step toward reshaping the future of baseball in Tampa by approving the transfer of 22 acres of state-owned, non‑conservation land to Hillsborough College. I see this move as a clear signal that the state wants the Tampa Bay Rays to anchor a long-term home in the region while helping the college modernize its Dale Mabry campus.
The land sits in a prime location for redevelopment, and the Rays have been searching for a stable, future‑focused home for years. This decision gives the franchise and the college a real foundation to build on.
A Stadium and a District Designed to Transform the Area
The Rays and Hillsborough College are working through a broad redevelopment plan that aims to create a destination rather than just a ballpark. The vision includes a new Rays stadium, a mixed‑use entertainment district, and upgraded campus facilities that bring students, fans, and local residents into the same shared space.
The goal is to create a live, work, play, and learn environment that blends sports, education, and community life. The target opening year is 2029, which gives the Rays and the college time to finalize designs, secure financing, and coordinate construction timelines.
What Still Needs to Happen Before Groundbreaking
Even with the land transfer approved, the project isn’t ready to break ground. Financing remains a major hurdle, and local officials still need to sign off on several layers of agreements. The Rays and Hillsborough College also have to finalize their partnership structure, revenue models, and long-term maintenance responsibilities.
These steps take time, and they often involve tough negotiations. Still, the state’s approval removes one of the biggest obstacles and gives the project momentum.
Why Supporters Believe the Project Matters
Supporters of the plan argue that the redevelopment could generate hundreds of millions of dollars in long-term economic activity. New jobs, increased tourism, and expanded campus capacity all factor into the projected revenue impact. While estimates vary, many local leaders believe the project could reshape the economic footprint of the Dale Mabry corridor.
Rays leadership publicly thanked the governor and cabinet, calling the approval a major win for the region and emphasizing that the project creates a long-term community asset rather than just a stadium.
