Rays stadium speculation centers on HCC Dale Mabry campus as mayors weigh in

Speculation is growing that the Tampa Bay Rays could move across the bay to a new stadium site at Hillsborough Community College’s Dale Mabry campus.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Speculation is intensifying about a possible new ballpark for the Tampa Bay Rays, with Hillsborough Community College’s Dale Mabry campus emerging as a leading contender for the team’s future home.

The Rays’ new ownership group is targeting an ambitious timeline for a new stadium by 2029, when the team’s contract at Tropicana Field is set to end. Momentum has recently grown around a potential move that would take the team across Tampa Bay and into Tampa.

Hillsborough Community College’s Dale Mabry campus has surfaced as a top candidate for the project. The property sits near Raymond James Stadium, Steinbrenner Field and Tampa International Airport.

On Tuesday, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor acknowledged hearing reports that the Hillsborough College District Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting on Jan. 20. The meeting is expected to include a vote on a plan that could clear the way for a more than 100-acre mixed-use development, including a new ballpark.

“I heard that as well, that meeting — but I don’t have the details of that particular meeting,” Castor said.

Castor added that she is also expected to meet with HCC leadership in the near future.

“I believe I have a meeting with Dr. Atwater coming up, but we haven’t discussed those details coming up,” she said.

If a deal is finalized, it would mark the end of St. Petersburg’s long tenure as home of the Rays.

Meanwhile, St. Petersburg is accepting proposals to redevelop the Historic Gas Plant District, which includes Tropicana Field. Mayor Ken Welch said those plans may or may not include a stadium.

“Our intent is to move forward with the development of those properties, and whether that includes a long-term component for the Rays is yet to be determined,” Welch said. “If you look at their criteria for 100 acres, then that would rule us out.”

Welch added that the city’s immediate focus is on fulfilling its current obligations and repairing Tropicana Field in time for opening day this year.

“You see the roof is intact, we’re getting the internal work, so that’s our focus now,” Welch said. “We’ll have conversations about whether they want an extension, their plans for the long-term.”

Hillsborough Community College did not return a request for comment regarding the reported Jan. 20 meeting or the potential vote.