The Rays’ proposed $2.3B ballpark at Hillsborough College, which would be located across the street from Raymond James Stadium, would leave the Buccaneers with “at least 2,600 fewer parking spaces for games,” according to a front-page piece by Colleen Wright of the TAMPA BAY TIMES. The Rays’ initial plans would “take those spaces offline as soon as July, when construction begins.” Tampa Sports Authority President & CEO Eric Hart said that the Sports Authority will “have to work with Tampa International Airport to find more parking spaces,” which “may be a problem during rainstorms, or may have to build a parking garage.” If not, Tampa and Hillsborough County would have to “pay fines to the Bucs,” according to an agreement “requiring that they be provided a minimum number of parking spaces.” Hart said that the changes in parking spaces “will affect revenue, especially for the Bucs,” whose expenses “will go up” (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 4/21).
