New details on the Tampa Bay Rays’ stadium plans are expected this week, with a possible meeting Tuesday between Gov. Ron DeSantis and MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred as talks focus on Hillsborough College’s Dale Mabry campus.
Two weeks ago, the Hillsborough College Board approved an agreement with the Rays to redevelop the 113-acre site, including a new ballpark. County commissioners will take up the issue on Wednesday.
The Rays would cover at least 50% of stadium costs. The remaining funding would come from tourism-related taxes and Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) revenues, not the county’s general fund.
A key component is property tax increment revenue from the Drew Park CRA, along with a possible extension of the CRA beyond its 2034 expiration. By law, CRA funds must be spent within CRA boundaries and cannot be used for general county services.
Other potential funding sources include tourist development taxes, special assessment districts, hotel and motel fees, and state sports development funds.
The plan includes relocating Hillsborough College to a new on-site “College District” and developing a fixed-roof stadium surrounded by hotels, retail, and entertainment, with surrounding development revenues helping finance the project.