Final Approval Secured
On Friday, the Hillsborough County Commission gave the green light to the Tampa Bay Rays' $2.3 billion stadium plan with a 5-2 vote, sealing the county's $796 million commitment. This came just one day after the Tampa City Council had already approved the deal 4-3, removing the last obstacles. The proposed ballpark is slated for the Hillsborough Community College Dale Mabry campus, opposite Raymond James Stadium, with an anticipated opening in 2029.[S1][S3][S5]
Commissioner Ken Hagan, who has championed the project for nearly two decades, called the vote a historic moment. The approval margin mirrored the earlier nonbinding agreement from May, with supporters Chris Boles, Harry Cohen, Christine Miller, and Gwen Myers joining Hagan. Opponents Donna Cameron Cepeda and Joshua Wostal voted against, with Cameron Cepeda calling it an irresponsible use of taxpayer dollars and Wostal labeling it an albatross.[S1][S2]
Funding Breakdown and Concerns
The county's $796 million package breaks down as follows: $360 million from the Community Investment Tax, paid in four $90 million installments; $303 million from the Tourist Development Tax, largely through bonds; $103 million from the general county fund; and $30 million from HUD disaster relief. The Rays are expected to put in about $1.37 billion and will handle any cost overruns, while the city's share is $80 million.[S1][S3][S4]
During the meeting, Commissioner Boles raised concerns about the state's closure of a juvenile detention center and the Rays' minimum investment in the Community Benefits Agreement. Hagan suggested $50 million, but Boles pushed for $60 million. The final agreement did not specify a minimum, leaving details for later. County financial administrator Tom Fesler assured commissioners about the reserve levels, though the tourist tax commitment rises to $569 million with bond interest.[S1]
Reactions and Next Steps
Rays managing partner Patrick Zalupski called the vote an extraordinary milestone, saying 'Forever starts now.' CEO Ken Babby expressed gratitude to county leaders and Hillsborough College President Dr. Ken Atwater. The team plans to begin construction soon, with a goal of playing in the new stadium by 2029, after their lease at Tropicana Field ends in 2028.[S1][S3][S4]
The project includes a mixed-use district with retail, residential, and entertainment development, aiming to revitalize the area around Raymond James Stadium. Supporters highlight job creation and economic growth, while critics question the public cost. The approvals give the Rays a permanent home in Tampa, ending years of uncertainty and threats to relocate.[S2][S6]
