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Florida Governor and MLB Commissioner Back New Tampa Bay Rays Stadium Proposal
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred voiced strong support Tuesday for a proposed new stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays, a project that could secure the franchise’s long-term future in the region.
The Rays are currently under lease at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg through at least 2028, but the facility’s future has been in doubt since suffering significant hurricane damage in 2024. A previously planned $1.3 billion redevelopment deal for the Tropicana site collapsed last year, creating renewed uncertainty for the team, which recently changed ownership.
“Today’s an important day, a milestone along a path that I believe will lead to the Tampa Bay Rays being a part of this community for decades to come,” Manfred said during a news conference in Tampa.
The newly proposed ballpark would be built in Tampa, near the New York Yankees’ spring training facility and across from Raymond James Stadium, home of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While both the governor and commissioner emphasized baseball’s importance to the Tampa Bay region, few specific details were provided regarding costs or construction timelines.
Rays Chief Executive Officer Ken Babby promised more information soon: “In the coming days, you’ll see the first renderings of our development and ballpark, the new forever home of the Tampa Bay Rays that will serve as a catalyst for this new community.”
Last month, the Rays signed a nonbinding memorandum of agreement with Hillsborough College to construct a multi-use facility on a 113-acre site along Dale Mabry Boulevard. The development has been compared to Atlanta’s Truist Park, featuring not just a stadium but also hotels, residential spaces, retail areas, restaurants, and bars—creating a comprehensive entertainment district.
The Hillsborough County Commission is scheduled to discuss the stadium proposal during its regular meeting on Wednesday. According to documents posted on the county’s website, the Rays have expressed willingness to “bear a minimum of 50% of the cost of the construction of a ballpark.” The team has also committed to redeveloping the Hillsborough College campus into a mixed-use district with various amenities, including new educational facilities.
The remainder of the project’s cost—which hasn’t yet been publicly disclosed—would require public funding. It remains unclear whether the county or city would be open to using local financing options, such as a bed tax, to support the development.
DeSantis expressed full support for keeping the Rays in the region but clarified that direct state funding for the stadium would not be forthcoming. However, he indicated the state could assist with related infrastructure improvements, including road developments and relocating a nearby juvenile justice facility.
The Rays have played 27 of their 28 seasons at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. Last season, the team was forced to play at Steinbrenner Field after Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm, severely damaged Tropicana Field’s roof in October 2024. Repairs took over a year to complete.
The storm damage, combined with rising costs for repairs and new construction, contributed to former owner Stuart Sternberg’s decision to withdraw from the proposed St. Petersburg deal and ultimately sell the team. The new ownership group includes Babby, Patrick Zalupski (CEO of Jacksonville-based Dream Finders Homes), and Bill Cosgrove (CEO of Union Home Mortgage in Ohio).
With repairs now complete at Tropicana Field, the Rays are scheduled to return there for the 2026 season. Their current lease could be extended beyond 2028 until a new stadium is ready, but specifics haven’t been addressed.
Through the years, there have been discussions about potentially relocating the franchise to Orlando or other markets if a suitable stadium solution couldn’t be found in Tampa Bay. When asked if this proposal represented a last chance to keep the team in the region, Manfred was measured but emphasized the importance of making progress.
“I do think we’re at a point in the history of the club that something needs to get done, but I would be hesitant to characterize it as it’s this or never again,” Manfred said.
Any funding framework for the new stadium would require approval from the county commission, the city of Tampa, and the Tampa Sports Authority before moving forward.
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10 Comments
Interesting to see the governor and MLB commissioner get behind a new stadium for the Rays. Baseball has a long history in Tampa Bay, so securing the team’s future there seems important. I wonder what the new stadium plans entail and how the community will respond.
Seems like a new stadium for the Rays could be a positive move, both for the team and the Tampa Bay region. It’ll be interesting to see the details of the proposal and how it’s received locally. Hopefully it can help revitalize interest in the franchise.
Absolutely, the community buy-in will be crucial. A new stadium is a big investment, so making sure it benefits the region as a whole will be key.
Securing the Rays’ future in Tampa Bay is good news. The team has had its challenges, but a new stadium could provide a much-needed boost. I hope the plans take into account the needs and concerns of the local community as well.
Agreed, the community impact will be important. A new stadium can be a major investment, so it’ll be key to ensure it benefits the region as a whole, not just the team.
The Rays have been part of the Tampa Bay sports landscape for a long time. A new stadium could give the franchise a much-needed shot in the arm. I wonder if this will lead to any changes in team ownership or management as well.
The Rays have been in Tampa Bay for decades, so it makes sense to try to keep them there long-term. A new, modern stadium could really energize the franchise and the local baseball scene. I wonder if this will lead to any upgrades or changes for the team itself as well.
A new stadium could be a big boost for the Rays and the Tampa Bay area. The team has struggled with attendance at Tropicana Field, so this could be a chance to revitalize interest and bring in more fans. Curious to see the financing details and what the new ballpark will offer.
A new stadium for the Rays is an interesting development. Baseball has a long history in the Tampa Bay area, so keeping the team there long-term could be beneficial. I hope the plans address any concerns from the local community.
With the Rays’ current stadium in disrepair, a new facility makes sense. Curious to see the proposed location and design. Hopefully it can revitalize interest and attendance for the team.