Approved transfer of state land for the new Rays stadium
The Florida cabinet and Governor Ron DeSantis agreed to cede to Hillsborough College a 22-acre (49-hectare) parcel of state land in Tampa. The goal is for it to be used for the construction of the new Tampa Bay Rays stadium. Last month, the Rays’ management signed a memorandum of understanding for the construction of the stadium and a mixed-use entertainment district on the university campus. In addition, the renovation of some college buildings is contemplated. The parcel, located near the spring training facilities of the New York Yankees and across from Raymond James Stadium, was owned by the state of Florida. According to the cabinet agenda item, the state reserves the right to reclaim the land if the “components” of the new stadium do not materialize within five years of the transfer.“This is undoubtedly a great moment for Tampa Bay, and the Rays are fully committed to making this vision a reality and serving our region for generations,” said Ken Babby, CEO of the Rays.
Ken Babby, CEO of the Rays
Earlier this month, DeSantis and Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred held a press conference in Tampa to support the Rays’ stadium project. The team has expressed its desire to have the stadium built within three years.
The Rays have indicated that they will cover at least 50% of the cost of the new stadium, while the rest of the funds must come from the city of Tampa and Hillsborough County. DeSantis stated this month that the state will not provide direct funding for the stadium.Since they debuted in 1998, the team has played at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, with the exception of some games that were moved to the Yankees’ Steinbrenner Field in 2025 due to damage caused by a hurricane at the Trop. The Rays’ lease extends until, at least, the 2028 season. The team returns to the Trop this season.
Last year, a proposed $1.3 billion renovation deal for a new stadium adjacent to the Trop fell through, raising new questions about the team’s future, which was acquired last September by the ownership group of Patrick Zalupski.
