Rays Prepare to Break Ground on Their “Forever Home”

The Rays hope to break ground on their new “Forever Home” before they enter the first round of the playoffs, and now the timeline is officially locked in. Tampa Bay is on track to begin construction in September 2026 after securing both city and county approvals, along with a major public‑private funding package that clears the way for the franchise’s long‑planned move to a modern ballpark.

Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa have jointly approved $876 million in public funding for the stadium. The Rays’ ownership group will cover the remaining $1.37 billion and any construction overruns. FOX 13 Tampa Bay reported that this agreement follows earlier negotiations and a Memorandum of Understanding that laid the foundation for the project.

A New Stadium and a New District

The Rays’ new ballpark will rise on Hillsborough College’s Dale Mabry campus, anchoring a large mixed‑use development that includes retail, residential space, and campus upgrades. FOX 13 Tampa Bay noted that temporary facilities—nicknamed “The Nest”—will be set up to keep college operations running during construction.

The stadium itself is projected to cost about $2.3 billion and will seat roughly 31,000 fans, according to Wikipedia. The design emphasizes a compact, modern MLB experience and integrates with the surrounding district.

Timeline and Construction Partners

Managing Partner Patrick Zalupski confirmed that groundbreaking could happen as early as a Tuesday in September 2026, depending on final preparations. Yahoo Sports reported that the project will move forward while Hillsborough College continues classes, with construction carefully staged around campus activity.

The Rays have selected AECOM Hunt, Turner Construction, and Horus Construction Services to oversee the build. FOX 13 Tampa Bay highlighted that these firms will manage both the stadium and the surrounding development.

The goal: open the new ballpark in time for the 2029 MLB season.

Final Steps Before Shovels Hit the Ground

Before construction begins, the Rays must complete bond and funding validation and finalize a community benefits agreement. These steps are expected to move quickly now that approvals and financing are secured.

With the postseason approaching, the Rays are balancing on‑field urgency with off‑field momentum. The franchise’s future—both competitively and geographically—now feels more tangible than ever.