Tampa and Hillsborough County approved financing votes for the Rays' $2.3 billion stadium plan.
Why it matters: The votes put hundreds of millions in local public dollars behind the project and move it closer to reality. But the deal still needs additional agreements, so the financing package can still stall before construction starts.
- Tampa City Council voted 4-3 on Aug. 27, 2026, and Hillsborough County commissioners voted 5-2 on Aug. 28, 2026.
- The proposed project is a $2.3 billion mixed-use ballpark development on the Hillsborough Community College Dale Mabry campus in Tampa.
- AP reported the financing package includes about $796 million from the county, $80 million from the city and $1.3 billion from the Rays, plus $30 million in federal disaster recovery funds.
- County materials say the team is targeting an April 2029 opening, but several agreements still must be completed.
Hillsborough County commissioners on Aug. 28 approved a development and funding agreement for a new Tampa Bay Rays stadium, one day after Tampa City Council backed the plan in a 4-3 vote. The approvals clear major local financing hurdles, but they do not finish the deal.
The project would replace Tropicana Field and is planned for the Hillsborough Community College Dale Mabry campus in Tampa, near Raymond James Stadium and Tampa International Airport. The county says the team is targeting an April 2029 opening. County statement City statement
AP reported that the financing package includes about $796 million from Hillsborough County, $80 million from Tampa and $1.3 billion from the Rays, plus $30 million in federal disaster recovery funds. MLB documents outlining the agreement said the county would own the stadium and the Rays would pay $4 million a year in rent. AP report MLB report
Even with the votes, the plan still needs a ballpark license and use agreement, a community benefits agreement and a construction funds trust agreement before work can move forward. The Rays have played at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, and their current lease runs through at least the 2028 season. County statement MLB report
By the numbers
- 4-3 - Tampa City Council vote on Aug. 27, 2026.
- 5-2 - Hillsborough County commission vote on Aug. 28, 2026.
- $2.3 billion - Proposed mixed-use ballpark development cost.
What's next: The deal still needs a ballpark license and use agreement, a community benefits agreement and a construction funds trust agreement.