10.02.2026 21:15
source: StadiumDB.com ; author: Paulina Skóra
Plans for a new Tampa Bay Rays stadium have entered a decisive phase, as rising costs and unresolved funding questions fuel intense negotiations. With public money on the table, the project has sparked debate over who should ultimately pay for one of the most ambitious developments in the region.
Rays stadium planned on Hillsborough College campus
One of the most distinctive aspects of the Tampa Bay Rays’ stadium proposal is its integration with the Hillsborough College campus. The site is considered strategically located, close to downtown Tampa and major transportation corridors, making it attractive for fans, developers and public stakeholders.
The project envisions a close connection between the Rays’ ballpark and the existing college campus, which serves approximately 15,000 students. Under the proposal, students would benefit from modernized educational facilities adjacent to the stadium and would also represent a built-in workforce and customer base for restaurants, retail spaces and hotels planned within the mixed-use district. Florida state officials have acknowledged that the current Hillsborough College campus is in need of major upgrades. Governor Ron DeSantis has publicly stated that several buildings are outdated and no longer meet modern educational standards.
As part of preliminary discussions, the Rays have committed to constructing a new, modern campus for the college. Concept images released by Hillsborough College show an integrated urban complex designed to operate alongside the stadium infrastructure. And although investments in sports infrastructure are always extremely important for fans, it is hard not to get the impression that many people are already living only for what will happen in a few months in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Are you one of them too? Check out the World Cup betting odds today and get into the atmosphere of the global sporting festival that is fast approaching!
© CityofStPete (cc: by-nc) | Tropicana Field, which had been the Rays’ home since 1998, is undergoing repairs and is expected to be available again for the 2026 season.
Stadium costs escalate sharply
The most controversial element of the proposal is the projected cost of the Rays’ stadium, now estimated at approximately USD 2.3 billion. This figure does not include the full cost of surrounding development such as hotels, restaurants and office space. Rising construction costs across the United States—driven by inflation, higher material prices and increasingly complex stadium designs—have pushed budgets to record levels.
The Tampa Sports Authority has confirmed that construction firm Skanska is currently reviewing the stadium cost estimates, while AECOM is conducting an independent evaluation of the land-use plan and the economic potential of the broader mixed-use development.
Economic impact and public funding debate
The Rays have submitted their own economic impact studies to public partners, arguing that the project would generate long-term benefits for Tampa and Hillsborough County. Local officials, however, insist that an independent economic analysis is essential before any commitment of public funds.
The financing model remains the central point of contention. The Rays are exploring various funding mechanisms, including hotel taxes, rental car surcharges, community redevelopment area (CRA) funds and special tax districts that would capture revenue generated directly from the project site. Rays president Ken Babby has stated that the club is prepared to cover a significant portion of the stadium’s cost but expects a public–private partnership, which he describes as standard practice for modern MLB stadiums.
Not all local leaders agree. Several Tampa city council members argue that the Rays’ ownership group—particularly following the franchise’s reported sale for approximately USD 1.7 billion—should finance the stadium entirely with private funds. Critics emphasize that Tampa and Hillsborough County face more urgent infrastructure needs, including transportation, housing and road improvements, and warn against shifting financial risk onto taxpayers.
© Mark Thor | Tropicana Field, which had been the Rays’ home since 1998, is undergoing repairs and is expected to be available again for the 2026 season.
Timeline and next steps
The Tampa Sports Authority has made clear it will not automatically approve the project. Board members have unanimously called for an independent economic study before considering any form of public subsidy, stressing their responsibility to protect taxpayer interests.
According to the Rays, an agreement with Hillsborough College must be finalized within six months for the project to advance to formal negotiations with the city and county. If approvals move forward on schedule, the club aims to open the new stadium on MLB Opening Day 2029—a highly ambitious timeline given the scale of the investment and the number of regulatory approvals required.