Florida Governor Backs New Tampa Rays Ballpark

DeSantis supports plan to build mixed-use stadium district on Hillsborough Community College land

Feb. 3, 2026 at 9:55pm

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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has joined MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred in backing a proposal to build a new stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays. The plan would see the team's new ownership group redevelop 113 acres of land leased from Hillsborough Community College into a mixed-use district, with the new ballpark as the centerpiece. Local officials are now considering funding options, with the goal of opening the new facility by 2029 when the team's current lease expires.

Why it matters

The Rays have long struggled to find a permanent home in the Tampa Bay area, with previous stadium plans falling through. This new proposal represents a potential breakthrough that could keep the franchise in the region long-term, while also catalyzing significant economic development around the new ballpark.

The details

Under the plan, the state of Florida will convey land to Hillsborough Community College, which will then negotiate exclusively with the Rays on the redevelopment project. The new mixed-use district is expected to have a total economic impact of over $34 billion. Local officials are now weighing funding options, including potential visitor taxes, as well as a $50 million state appropriation sponsored by Senator Danny Burgess.

  • On February 3, 2026, Governor DeSantis announced the state's support for the project.
  • The Hillsborough Community College District Board of Trustees has approved a nonbinding memorandum allowing exclusive negotiations with the Rays.
  • Hillsborough County will consider stadium funding options on Wednesday, February 5, 2026.
  • The Rays' new ownership group is targeting a 2029 opening for the new facility, to coincide with the expiration of the team's current lease.

The players

Ron DeSantis

The Governor of Florida, who has voiced his support for the new Rays stadium proposal.

Rob Manfred

The Commissioner of Major League Baseball, who has also backed the plan for a new Rays ballpark.

Ken Babby

The CEO of the Tampa Bay Rays, who has said the team will unveil renderings of the new development and ballpark in the coming days.

Danny Burgess

A Florida state senator who is sponsoring a $50 million appropriation to help fund the new Rays stadium.

Hillsborough Community College District Board of Trustees

The board that has approved a nonbinding memorandum allowing exclusive negotiations between the Rays and the college on the redevelopment project.

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What they’re saying

“In the coming days, you'll see the first renderings of our new development and ballpark, the new forever home of the Tampa Bay Rays that will serve as a catalyst for this new community.”

— Ken Babby, Rays CEO

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Hillsborough County will consider stadium funding options, including potential visitor taxes and the $50 million state appropriation, on Wednesday, February 5, 2026.

The takeaway

This new Rays stadium proposal represents a potential breakthrough in the team's long-running search for a permanent home in the Tampa Bay region. If approved and executed, the project could not only keep the franchise in the area but also spur significant economic development around the new ballpark complex.