Rays unveil first renderings of proposed Tampa ballpark and mixed-use district

Florida Construction News staff writer

The Tampa Bay Rays have released the first renderings of their proposed ballpark and surrounding mixed-use district on the Dale Mabry campus of Hillsborough College, offering fans and the community a first look at the team’s vision for a new home.

The images show the exterior of the stadium, a “Champions Quarter” neighborhood, and a reimagined Hillsborough College building. The Rays described the renderings as an “early look at a vision for the site” that will continue to evolve based on site studies, ballpark design concepts, and input from local leaders and residents.

Hillsborough College trustees approved a non-binding memorandum of understanding with the Rays on Jan. 20 to redevelop the Dale Mabry campus, which sits across from Raymond James Stadium and adjacent to George M. Steinbrenner Field, as part of the new ballpark district.MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis voiced support for the project this week, emphasizing their belief that “baseball belongs in Tampa Bay.” The Hillsborough County Commission also voted unanimously Wednesday to begin negotiations with the Rays regarding ballpark funding.

“I’m incredibly grateful for what our organization and the Tampa community have accomplished in just over 100 days since acquiring the team, and for the progress we are making together toward a forever home for the Rays and our loyal fans,” said Rays managing partner Patrick Zalupski. “Hillsborough County’s unanimous vote is a significant milestone and a clear signal that Tampa is serious about keeping Major League Baseball in this region and transforming Tampa Bay for generations to come.”The proposed stadium would seat approximately 31,000, the smallest capacity of any permanent Major League Baseball ballpark. Plans include diverse seating options, celebration areas, and year-round event spaces. The Rays aim to have the new ballpark ready for the start of the 2029 season, with three more years remaining on their agreement to play at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg.

The team also launched a website, NewBallpark.RaysBaseball.com with more information about the project.

Rays CEO Ken Babby emphasized the team’s commitment to community engagement, announcing a series of sessions across Hillsborough County in the coming weeks to gather input from fans, students, faculty, residents, and local leaders.

“This is a public-private partnership, with costs shared by the team, the county, and the city of Tampa, while the mixed-use development will be 100 percent privately financed,” Babby said. A document from Hillsborough County Commission Chair Ken Hagan noted that the Rays have expressed willingness to cover at least 50% of ballpark construction costs, plus any overruns, repairs, and future capital improvements.

The team cited an independent economic analysis projecting a $34 billion total economic impact over 30 years for the broader development, with 11,900 new jobs and 10 million annual visitors once fully built. If finalized, the partnership with Hillsborough College would also improve campus facilities, expand workforce development, and benefit more than 45,000 students.

The Rays said they are consulting with local and regional stakeholders, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Yankees, Hillsborough County, the City of Tampa, Hillsborough County Public Schools, and Tampa International Airport, along with design, engineering, legal, and advisory partners such as Populous, Gensler, RCLCO, and Foley & Lardner LLP.

The renderings mark the next step in the Rays’ plan to create a modern stadium district that blends professional baseball with community spaces, commercial development, and campus improvements, bringing Major League Baseball squarely into the heart of Tampa.