News Summary
The Tampa Bay Rays have announced plans for a new stadium, targeting a 100-acre site at the Dale Mabry campus of Hillsborough Community College. The proposed location, near existing sports venues, aims to create a vibrant sports district while facing challenges related to HCC’s student population and an active agreement with the New York Yankees. The team aims to deliver a world-class ballpark by 2029 and has expressed commitment to enhancing the current Tropicana Field experience amidst ongoing evaluations of their future in Tampa Bay.
Tampa, Florida — The Tampa Bay Rays have unveiled plans to develop a new stadium, seeking a minimum 100-acre site ideally integrated into a mixed-use development. This proposed location is the Dale Mabry campus of Hillsborough Community College, situated close to Raymond James Stadium and Steinbrenner Field. The existing Tropicana Field occupies approximately 80 acres, while other comparable developments like Atlanta’s Battery and Water Street in Tampa cover 75 and 50 acres, respectively.
The land at Dale Mabry is owned by Hillsborough County and managed by the HCC board of trustees, although it remains unclear how this control may affect any potential sale or development plans. The team’s ownership group has identified several advantages to this site, including:
- Location Advantage: The site’s proximity to existing sports venues could foster a vibrant sports district.
- Simplified Negotiations: Public ownership of the land would likely reduce the complexity of negotiations compared to dealing with multiple private landowners.
- Accessibility: The location is easily accessible, being close to Tampa’s main employment districts and infrastructure, such as the nearby Frankland Bridge, which provides easy commuting from Pinellas County.
However, there are significant challenges to consider. One major concern pertains to the impact on HCC, which serves thousands of students and employs faculty and staff. Relocating the college would be a complex process. Furthermore, the urgency tied to the expiring lease at Tropicana Field may push the ownership group to make hasty decisions concerning the college’s potential relocation.
Another challenge involves the nearby Steinbrenner Field, which is currently occupied by the New York Yankees as their spring training facility. An active use agreement with the Yankees is in place, extending until 2046, presenting another layer of complication for the Rays’ proposed development.
The Rays’ CEO, Patrick Zalupski, has set an ambitious goal to provide a world-class ballpark by March 2029. The ownership group envisions a comprehensive development that encompasses at least 100 acres, featuring additional amenities including hotels, office spaces, and entertainment venues.
Keeping options open, the ownership group plans to meet with the baseball commissioner to evaluate the possibility of maintaining their presence in Tampa Bay, especially in light of competing interests from Orlando for a new franchise. The City of Tampa has expressed its support of the Dale Mabry proposal, recognizing it as a viable option for establishing a central sports corridor.
In parallel with these future plans, the Rays ownership will also work on enhancing the current experience at Tropicana Field while they progress toward their vision of a new stadium. The team’s management is committed to providing fans with an improved game-day experience and is anticipating community involvement as they explore these developments further.
As the situation evolves, the Rays aim to balance the need for a new home with the logistical challenges posed by their current stakeholders and the objectives of their dedicated fan base. The future of Tampa Bay’s sports landscape may depend on the success of this ambitious project.
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Additional Resources
- Drays Bay: Leading Candidate for New Rays Stadium
- Fox 13 News: Potential Rays Owner Considering HCC Stadium Site
- Business Observer: Rays Move Ballpark Deal
- MLB: Rays Steinbrenner Field 2025 Season
- St. Pete Catalyst: Rays Plan New Stadium by 2029
- Wikipedia: Tampa Bay Rays
- Google Search: Tampa Bay Rays stadium plans
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tampa Bay Rays
- Google News: Tampa Bay Rays stadium news
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
