These 4 Things Must Happen Before Rays Stadium Construction Begins
What's next for the Rays after Tampa and Hillsborough County approved public funds to build a new ballpark?
The Hillsborough County Commission endorsed the construction of a proposed stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday, Aug. 28. The decision came after the Tampa City Council approved the city's share of the $2.3 billion stadium financing deal with a 4-3 vote. However, fans should not anticipate construction to begin this weekend.
Ken Babby, the Rays' CEO, disclosed that four prerequisites must be met before the construction can commence. The team has been playing at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg since their inception in 1998, aside from a temporary relocation to Tampa in 2025 due to repairs following Hurricane Milton.
The new stadium is projected to open for the 2029 MLB season, dispelling the long-standing relocation rumors that have plagued the team. Babby expressed gratitude towards the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners for making history through their approval of a county investment in collaboration with the Rays and the City of Tampa.
The stadium is expected to bring a privately financed and mixed-use neighborhood, a revitalized Hillsborough College campus, and a new ballpark that secures the long-term future of Major League Baseball in Tampa Bay.
According to MLB.com, the Rays are planning to invest approximately $1.37 billion in the stadium project, including any cost overruns. The county will shoulder $796 million, while the city's contribution is set at $80 million. The county will own the stadium, with the Rays paying $4 million annually in rent under a 35-year lease.
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