Overview
- The team released first-look images of a fixed‑roof, 31,000‑seat stadium and a surrounding district on Hillsborough College’s Dale Mabry campus, along with a new project website and early‑access deposit offer.
- The ballpark carries an estimated $2.3 billion price tag, with the Rays indicating they would fund at least half and cover overruns, while the broader mixed‑use development would be privately financed.
- County commissioners voted unanimously to begin reviewing a funding framework that could draw on tourist taxes, community redevelopment revenues, special districts, facility surcharges and potentially the Community Investment Tax.
- Gov. Ron DeSantis and MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred publicly backed keeping the franchise in the region, noting other Florida alternatives exist and signaling urgency to finalize a deal.
- The non‑binding MOU grants a 180‑day exclusive window with Hillsborough College, with community meetings planned and an Opening Day 2029 target as the Rays play at Tropicana Field in the interim.