Rays Take First Step Toward New Stadium in Tampa with Hillsborough College Partnership
The Tampa Bay Rays may finally be inching closer to a long-awaited new home-and this time, it’s on the Tampa side of the bay. On Tuesday, Hillsborough College’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved a Memo of Understanding (MOU) that sets the stage for a potential stadium project that could reshape both the franchise’s future and the surrounding community.
This isn’t a done deal-not yet-but it’s a significant move. The MOU gives both the Rays and Hillsborough College six months to iron out the details of a development plan.
That includes everything from design and logistics to financing and long-term use. And while the agreement is non-binding, it opens the door to a transformative project on 113 acres of land that’s now earmarked for a new Rays ballpark and an expanded HC campus.
What’s on the Table
According to renderings released by the Rays, the proposed stadium would sit on the southeast corner of the property, putting it in close proximity to Raymond James Stadium. Meanwhile, the college’s new campus would be developed on the southwest side of the site. It’s a layout that aims to create synergy between sports and education-two pillars of community growth.
The project is expected to generate around 12,000 jobs, and HC students would have direct access to many of those opportunities, potentially gaining hands-on experience in everything from construction and operations to hospitality and event management. That’s a long-term benefit that goes beyond the ballpark itself.
If public funding comes into play-and that’s still a big “if”-the stadium site would be exempt from property taxes, a detail that could influence how the deal is structured and who ultimately picks up the tab.
What’s Still Unclear
While the framework is beginning to take shape, there are still more questions than answers when it comes to the financials. The Rays haven’t committed to any specific dollar amount they’ll contribute to the project, nor have they disclosed how much public funding they’ll pursue-or from which sources.
What’s clear is that the Rays now have the green light to start digging into those numbers. Over the next six months, the team and HC will work through the specifics: cost estimates, funding models, and how responsibilities will be divided between the public and private sectors.
Voices from Both Sides of the Bay
Hillsborough College’s president called the agreement a major opportunity to modernize the campus and prepare students for the future. It’s not just about new buildings-it’s about creating a space that aligns with the evolving needs of education and workforce development.
Meanwhile, over in St. Petersburg, Mayor Ken Welch weighed in with a statement that struck a tone of cautious optimism. While he acknowledged ongoing conversations with Rays leadership about possibly extending the team’s stay at Tropicana Field beyond 2028, he also emphasized that his administration remains focused on redeveloping the Historic Gas Plant District-a project that carries its own weight in terms of economic and cultural significance.
“I’ve met with the new leadership and it’s clear they’re working hard to repair the relationship and rebuild trust between the City and team,” Welch said. “I appreciate their ongoing partnership and look forward to welcoming the Rays back to the renovated Tropicana Field stadium on opening day.”
That’s a nod to the present-but make no mistake, the future is very much in motion.
What Comes Next
As part of the agreement, the Rays will also be responsible for constructing temporary facilities for HC students while the new campus is being built. Once completed, the college will gain approximately 600,000 square feet of new learning space-a significant expansion that could redefine its role in the region.
The proposed lease for the land is set to run 99 years, signaling a long-term vision for both the team and the college.
Now, the real work begins. Over the next six months, the Rays and HC will negotiate the finer points of the deal. If they can come to terms, Tampa could soon become the permanent home of the Rays-a development that would not only reshape the franchise’s trajectory but also leave a lasting impact on the local community.
This isn’t just about baseball. It’s about building something that lasts.