Florida Approves State Land for New Rays Stadium

Governor DeSantis and Florida Cabinet grant 22 acres to Hillsborough Community College for $2.3 billion redevelopment project

Feb. 25, 2026 at 3:49am

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The Florida Cabinet has unanimously approved a land deal that will allow the Tampa Bay Rays to build a new $2.3 billion stadium and mixed-use development on the Hillsborough Community College Dale Mabry campus site. The agreement conveys about 22 acres of non-conservation state land to the college, clearing the way for the Rays' proposed project that includes a new ballpark, academic facilities, hotels, housing, retail, and entertainment venues.

Why it matters

This deal represents a major step forward for the Rays' efforts to build a new stadium and keep the team in the Tampa Bay area. The redevelopment project is expected to revitalize an underutilized part of Tampa and provide significant economic benefits to the region. However, the final funding and approvals for the project still need to be worked out between the Rays, local governments, and the state.

The details

The land deal allows Hillsborough Community College to modify longstanding deed restrictions and partner with the Rays on the redevelopment. The $2.3 billion project is expected to include a new Rays stadium, academic facilities, hotels, housing, retail, and entertainment venues. The Florida Senate is also considering providing $50 million to help relocate college facilities as part of the redevelopment.

  • On February 24, 2026, Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet unanimously approved the land deal.
  • The Rays hope to open the new stadium and mixed-use district in 2029.

The players

Ron DeSantis

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

Ken Babby

The Chief Executive Officer of the Tampa Bay Rays, who released a statement praising the approval of the land deal.

Hillsborough Community College

The college that will receive the 22 acres of state land to partner with the Rays on the redevelopment project.

Blaise Ingoglia

The Florida Chief Financial Officer who supported the land deal while emphasizing the need to protect taxpayers.

James Uthmeier

The Florida Attorney General who said the redevelopment could transform a largely underutilized area into a major economic engine.

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What they’re saying

“What's today— largely just a bunch of parking lots— will be completely renovated, to a live, work, entertain district that you know is going to have significant economic benefit to the state.”

— James Uthmeier, Florida Attorney General

“My vote today was to ensure that the negotiations go forward. I just hope that whatever negotiations keep the taxpayers in mind and we get the best possible deal for the taxpayers.”

— Blaise Ingoglia, Florida Chief Financial Officer

“This is undoubtedly a big moment for Tampa Bay, and the Rays are fully in this moment to bring this vision to life, and serve our region for generations to come.”

— Ken Babby, Tampa Bay Rays CEO

What’s next

The Florida Senate is considering providing $50 million to help relocate Hillsborough Community College facilities as part of the redevelopment project. Negotiations between the Rays, Hillsborough County, the city of Tampa, and the state are ongoing to finalize the details and funding for the $2.3 billion project.

The takeaway

This land deal represents a significant milestone in the Rays' efforts to build a new stadium and keep the team in the Tampa Bay area. The proposed $2.3 billion mixed-use development has the potential to revitalize an underutilized part of Tampa, but the final funding and approvals still need to be worked out between the various stakeholders.