Florida Cabinet Approves Land Transfer for New Rays Stadium

Governor DeSantis and state officials back plan for Rays' proposed ballpark and mixed-use development

Feb. 24, 2026 at 5:35pm

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The Tampa Bay Rays announced that Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet have approved the conveyance of state land to Hillsborough College for the purpose of redeveloping the Dale Mabry Campus site. This land will be used for the Rays' proposed new ballpark, reinvented campus, and live, work, play, and learn district, which is slated to open in 2029.

Why it matters

The land transfer represents a major step forward for the Rays' long-sought plans to build a new stadium in the Tampa Bay area. After facing challenges securing public funding in the past, the partnership with Hillsborough College appears to have unlocked key support from state leadership for the project.

The details

Under the agreement, the state will convey a northwest parcel of land to Hillsborough College, which will then work with the Rays on the redevelopment. The land transfer comes with a five-year use clause, and Governor DeSantis has expressed his belief that the land has limited value outside of this proposal, making it an attractive option to support the Rays' vision for a new stadium and mixed-use district.

  • On February 24, 2026, Governor DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet approved the land transfer.
  • The Rays' proposed new ballpark and mixed-use development is slated to open in 2029.

The players

Ron DeSantis

The Governor of Florida who approved the land transfer for the Rays' stadium project.

Ken Babby

The Chief Executive Officer of the Tampa Bay Rays, who announced the team's gratitude for the state's support.

Hillsborough College

The college that will receive the state land to partner with the Rays on the redevelopment project.

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What they’re saying

“The Tampa Bay Rays are grateful for the approval granted today by Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet for the conveyance of state land to Hillsborough College for the purpose of redeveloping the Dale Mabry Campus site for our proposed new ballpark, reinvented campus, and live, work, play, and learn district to open in 2029.”

— Ken Babby, Chief Executive Officer, Tampa Bay Rays (Yahoo Sports)

“At the press conference, I was asked: 'How much is this land worth?' Honestly, I don't know that it's worth very much outside of this proposal. Because a home builder would not put a subdivision there, no way. People would do commercial buildings right there now. In order to make this something that's special, it really has to be something unique like this.”

— Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida (Tampa Bay Times)

What’s next

The Rays will now work with Hillsborough College to finalize the redevelopment plans for the new ballpark and mixed-use district, with the goal of opening the facility in 2029.

The takeaway

The Rays' partnership with Hillsborough College and the state's approval of the land transfer represent a significant breakthrough for the team's long-standing efforts to build a new stadium in the Tampa Bay region. This public-private collaboration could serve as a model for other sports franchises seeking to finance and develop new facilities.