Rays Reveal Exciting New Stadium Plans

Emerson Raymont

ago 2 hours

The Tampa Bay Rays are intensifying efforts to finalize a plan for a new stadium in the Tampa Bay region. On Tuesday, the Hillsborough College board of trustees approved a memorandum of understanding with the team. This non-binding agreement sets the foundation for a potential stadium and mixed-use development on the college’s Dale Mabry campus.

Stadium Timeline and Lease Challenges

The Rays currently have a lease agreement at Tropicana Field that extends through 2028. They aim to have a new stadium ready for the 2029 season, leaving limited time to secure necessary funding agreements with local authorities. The recent agreement with Hillsborough College is crucial for pinpointing a potential stadium site, but the team has yet to establish any public funding arrangements.

Previous Stadium Deal Collapse

In 2024, the Rays had previously agreed to a stadium project in St. Petersburg within Pinellas County. However, the deal fell through due to hurricane damage that delayed county approval of crucial bonds. The Rays argued that ongoing delays necessitated additional funding to cover cost overruns, which led to contentious negotiations with local officials.

New Leadership and Future Focus

Amidst these challenges, ownership of the team has changed. Stu Sternberg’s decision to sell his majority stake last year was influenced by difficulties in securing a stadium deal. Current owner Patrick Zalupski is now leading efforts to reach an agreement within the city of Tampa, but reactions from city and county officials have been mixed regarding public financing.

Potential Moves to Orlando

Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan, a supporter of a Tampa stadium deal, expressed that the team might explore opportunities in Orlando if significant progress isn’t made at the Dale Mabry site. Orlando has seen a rise in interest for MLB, either through relocation or expansion. Nonetheless, both MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and Rays officials continue to emphasize their focus remains on the Tampa area.

Conclusion

The Rays are at a critical juncture in their pursuit of a new stadium. With an ambitious target of 2029 for completion, the clock is ticking. Collaborative efforts with Hillsborough College could be a pivotal step, but securing public funding remains a significant hurdle.