Rays Seek to Incorporate Hillsborough College in Stadium Development

Linking the college campus with the new stadium could help shield the project from economic headwinds, experts say.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 5:39pm

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The Tampa Bay Rays are deep in negotiations with local governments to fund a multi-billion-dollar stadium development project, and incorporating Hillsborough College into the plans could be a key strategy. Economic development experts believe linking the college's 15,000 students and campus with the new stadium, hotels, stores, and restaurants could provide a hedge against economic downturns.

Why it matters

Stadiums and university campuses tend to be less vulnerable to swings in the economy, so incorporating the college campus into the development project could help ensure the long-term financial viability of the Rays' plans. The potential to link the campus with the stadium is something other potential sites in the Tampa Bay area and beyond cannot offer.

The details

As negotiations continue, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has weighed in, noting that Hillsborough College's campus is in need of renovation. The Rays are promising to build new school buildings as part of the site plan that includes a new stadium for the team. The hope is that the college's students will attend classes and then be incorporated into the development as potential workers and customers.

  • On January 28, 2026, the Rays and Hillsborough College entered a 'Memo of Understanding' to start developing stadium and campus plans.
  • The Rays have just under six months to make a deal for the college's land.

The players

Tampa Bay Rays

The professional baseball team that plays in the American League East division of Major League Baseball.

Hillsborough College

A public college located in Tampa, Florida, with an enrollment of around 15,000 students.

Ron DeSantis

The current Governor of Florida, who has weighed in on the Rays' stadium plans and the need to renovate Hillsborough College's campus.

John Boyd

An economic development advisor who believes incorporating the college campus with the stadium development could help shield the project from economic headwinds.

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What they’re saying

“Stadiums and arenas, as well as university campuses, tend to be less vulnerable to swings in the economy. So, they tend to be the generational sources of economic activity and employment.”

— John Boyd, Economic Development Advisor (FOX 13 News)

“I've toured that campus. Some of these buildings are old. In this day and age, you've got some other stuff around it. So I know that there's a vision.”

— Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida (FOX 13 News)

What’s next

The Rays have just under six months to make a deal for the college's land, and the governor has hinted that negotiations are well underway. The question remains how the entire project will be funded, with considerations of hotel taxes, car rental fees, and CRA funds.

The takeaway

By incorporating Hillsborough College's campus into the Rays' stadium development plans, the team is seeking to create a more resilient and economically viable project that can withstand potential downturns. This innovative approach could set a new standard for how professional sports teams approach stadium financing and development.