Tampa Bay Rays secure city and county approval for $2.3B stadium project

The Tampa Bay Rays have secured critical local government approvals for a $2.3 billion stadium and entertainment district project intended to replace Tropicana Field. The Hillsborough County Commission voted 5-2 to approve a $796 million share of the project, following a 4-3 vote by the Tampa City Council to approve $80 million in funding.

The proposed 31,000-seat stadium is planned for a site near Raymond James Stadium and is expected to open in 2029. The Rays have committed at least $1.3 billion toward the project, with additional funding expected from federal disaster recovery funds.

City officials noted that the $80 million contribution will be made in four $20 million payments. The city intends to borrow at least the first installment, with subsequent payments starting in October 2027 subject to the discretion of future leadership. Rays CEO Ken Babby stated the partnership secures the long-term future of Major League Baseball in the Tampa Bay region.