Tampa Council Approves Rays Stadium Deal; County Vote Looms
The Tampa City Council approved a $2.3 billion stadium deal for the Tampa Bay Rays by a 4-3 margin on August 27, 2026. The project, located at Hillsborough College’s Dale Mabry Campus, requires $876 million in public funding and $1.4 billion in private investment. The Hillsborough County Commission will vote on the deal on August 28. If approved, construction could begin in September 2026, with the stadium targeting a 2029 opening. The Rays’ current lease at Tropicana Field expires in 2028, creating urgency for the new facility.
Key points
- Tampa City Council voted 4-3 to approve the Rays’ stadium deal on August 27, 2026.
- The Hillsborough County Commission is scheduled to vote on the deal on August 28, 2026.
- The total project cost is $2.3 billion, with $876 million in public funding ($80 million from the city, $796 million from the county).
- The Rays will contribute nearly $1.4 billion in private funding and cover any cost overruns.
- The stadium will be built at Hillsborough College’s Dale Mabry Campus, near Raymond James Stadium.
- Construction could begin in September 2026 if the county approves the deal, with a target opening in 2029.
Background
The Rays’ previous stadium plan in St. Petersburg collapsed after Hurricane Milton in 2024. Ownership changed from Stu Sternberg to Patrick Zalupski in 2025, leading to a new partnership with Tampa and Hillsborough County officials. The current deal includes a 35-year lease with a non-relocation agreement. The project also involves a mixed-use development and upgrades to Hillsborough College, which is receiving state funding for campus improvements.
How outlets are covering it
MLB Trade Rumors and Bay News 9 report the city council’s 4-3 approval and the upcoming county vote, emphasizing the deal’s progress. The Tampa Bay Times offers a more nuanced view, acknowledging the benefits of the deal but highlighting risks, such as potential economic downturns, unmet property tax projections, and the lack of construction milestones in the agreement. The Times notes that the Hillsborough College land was previously producing minimal taxes, making the development potentially beneficial for the city and county. Critics, including some city council members, argue the deal burdens taxpayers, while supporters see it as a necessary investment to retain MLB in the region.
Why it matters
The approval of the Rays’ stadium deal is a significant step in securing the future of Major League Baseball in Tampa Bay. The project involves substantial public and private funding and could impact the local economy, property taxes, and urban development. The outcome of the Hillsborough County vote will determine whether the project proceeds, with potential implications for the Rays’ future and the broader Tampa Bay region.
What to watch
The Hillsborough County Commission will vote on the stadium deal on August 28, 2026. If approved, construction could begin in September 2026, with the stadium targeting a 2029 opening. The Rays’ lease at Tropicana Field expires in 2028, creating urgency for the new facility. The project’s success will depend on the completion of the mixed-use development and the fulfillment of the community benefits agreement.
- Tampa City Council Votes In Favor Of Rays’ Stadium Deal, County Vote On Friday MLB Trade Rumors
- City council ready to vote in favor of Rays stadium funding? Bay News 9
- Tampa officials approve $2.3 billion deal for new Rays stadium ESPN
- Rays stadium deal offers incentives but no guarantees for mixed-use development The Business Journals
- Say yes to Rays stadium deal, but don’t act like it’s a slam dunk Tampa Bay Times
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