TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Rays released initial renderings on Thursday morning of the proposed ballpark and mixed-use district at Hillsborough College’s Dale Mabry campus.
The team is envisioning a domed stadium that can seat about 31,000 people.
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The Tampa Bay Rays released initial renderings on Thursday morning of the proposed ballpark at Hillsborough College’s Dale Mabry campus
The team is envisioning a domed stadium that can seat about 31,000 people
This week, the Rays, the school, the state of Florida, and MLB voiced support for the new ballpark
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“We are moving into the next phase of this process with excellent momentum, thanks to the outstanding support of community leaders and our staff and partners here at the Tampa Bay Rays,” added Ken Babby, Chief Executive Officer of the Tampa Bay Rays. “We’re proud to share our bold and dynamic vision for the ballpark and believe strongly in its ability to benefit the team and our fans, Hillsborough College, the surrounding neighborhoods and the entire region.”
Rendering provided by the Rays of a revamped HC Dale Mabry campus. (Courtesy of Tampa Bay Rays)
Rendering provided by the Rays of a revamped HC Dale Mabry campus. (Courtesy of Tampa Bay Rays)
Rendering provided by the Rays of a revamped HC Dale Mabry campus. (Courtesy of Tampa Bay Rays)
According to a team release, the entire development would stretch about 130 acres across the campus and spread out over three sections: Champions Quarter, Innovation Edge and The Canopy.
A triangular dome with a translucent roof, the Rays are billing the stadium as “the most intimate in Major League Baseball.” It would sit on the side of the campus closest to Raymond James Stadium in what the team is calling “Champions Quarter.”
A rebuilt Hillsborough College with be housed in the Innovation Edge area near Lois Avenue and Tampa Bay Boulevard with an area called “The Canopy” including a mix of bars, restaurants, retail spaces and residential units.
The Rays say the development would bring nearly 12,000 jobs and that it would would generate $34 billion in economic impact over the next 30 years. But some question how it will uplift Hillsborough County.
“What is the community really getting out of it?” asked resident Robin Lockett. “Will they have community conversation? Will we have an input in it, because our tax money is going towards it.”
The community will soon be able to weigh in. The Rays, the college and local leaders will be having meetings with residents and students who might have questions.
This week, the Rays, the school, the state of Florida, and MLB voiced support for the new ballpark. And the Hillsborough County Commission agreed to continue funding discussions with the team to see if a framework can be reached.
“I’m incredibly grateful for what our organization and the Tampa community have accomplished in just over 100 days since acquiring the team, and of the progress we are making together toward a Forever Home for the Rays and our loyal fans,” said Patrick Zalupski, Managing Partner of the Tampa Bay Rays. “Hillsborough County’s unanimous vote is a significant milestone and a clear signal that Tampa is serious about keeping Major League Baseball in this region and transforming Tampa Bay for generations to come.”
The team still has to work out a deal with local government about where the money for the new ballpark will come from.
In addition, the team has begun accepting $19.98 deposits for early access to seating in the new ballpark.