Tampa Bay Rays push for public-backed ballpark on college campus
TL;DR
Gov. Ron DeSantis, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and other officials voiced support for the Rays' plan to build a ballpark on Hillsborough College's Dale Mabry campus, but financing remains contentious as the team seeks public funds up to roughly $2.3 billion; Rays say they will cover at least 50% and rely on public sources like tourism taxes, sales taxes, and property taxes. Local leaders, including Mayor Castor, remain skeptical about using taxpayer money; a 180-day exclusive negotiation window has begun, with the target opening around 2029 and past financing efforts having stalled.
- DeSantis, MLB commissioner say Rays ‘belong in Tampa Bay’ Tampa Bay Times
- Florida governor, Manfred voice support for Rays park in Tampa ESPN
- Rays stadium at Hillsborough College? DeSantis, MLB commissioner throw support behind team's ownership FOX 13 Tampa Bay
- Rays hint they will pay at least half of cost of new stadium Spectrum Bay News 9
- Gov. Ron DeSantis supports Tampa Bay Rays stadium project Yahoo
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