Tampa City Council Approves $2.3 Billion Rays Stadium Project With Public Funding

The Tampa City Council voted 4-3 on Thursday to greenlight a $2.3 billion stadium proposal for the Tampa Bay Rays, marking a major step forward in the franchise’s relocation efforts. The measure combines public investment of $967 million with private capital to finance construction of the new facility, which council members approved roughly three months after negotiations yielded a preliminary agreement.

Ken Babby, president and CEO of the Rays organization, said the project represents a commitment to the region’s long-term prosperity. “This investment, paired with guaranteed private funding from the Rays, will ensure Major League Baseball remains in Tampa Bay and create a world-class mixed-use destination that will benefit our community for decades,” Babby stated in a Thursday message to supporters.

The proposed stadium and entertainment complex would be built on Hillsborough College’s campus, positioned adjacent to the New York Yankees’ spring training complex and across from Raymond James Stadium. Hillsborough County Commissioners are scheduled to vote on the proposal Friday morning to determine if the deal advances to implementation.

The Rays have operated from Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg since their inaugural 1998 season, though hurricane damage forced temporary relocation of 2025 home games to the Yankees’ George M. Steinbrenner Field. The organization targets a three-year construction timeline for the new venue and aims to move into the facility before their current lease expires following the 2028 season.