Rays unveil new ballpark renderings, seek $1.5B in funding for ‘forever home’

Tampa, Florida – The Tampa Bay Rays have unveiled updated renderings of a proposed $2.3 billion ballpark and mixed-use development on the Dale Mabry campus of Hillsborough College, marking the latest step in a decades-long quest for a permanent stadium home. The announcement, made on February 5, 2026, comes after a Hillsborough County Commission vote to begin negotiations regarding funding and signals growing momentum behind the project.

The proposed stadium, designed to seat approximately 31,000 fans, is envisioned as the most intimate in Major League Baseball, offering diverse seating options and year-round event spaces. Surrounding the stadium would be “Champions Quarter,” a walkable neighborhood intended to blend baseball, culture, and retail, creating a destination that extends beyond game days.

This latest proposal follows the Rays’ withdrawal from plans to redevelop the Gas Plant District near Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg after 2024 hurricanes and other unforeseen developments impacted the feasibility of that project. The team’s search for a new home has been a protracted affair, spanning nearly two decades and involving multiple locations and proposals.

The current site, located on Dale Mabry Boulevard, is strategically positioned near the New York Yankees’ spring training facility – which served as the Rays’ temporary home in 2025 – and across from Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This proximity to other major sporting venues is seen as a significant advantage.

A key factor in the renewed optimism surrounding the project is the support of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who publicly stated on February 3, 2026, that “baseball belongs in Tampa Bay.” DeSantis, a longtime friend of Rays managing partner Patrick Zalupski, appointed Zalupski to the University of Florida board of trustees in 2023, potentially opening avenues for state funding.

“State money, in terms of baseball, is not something that we’ve done,” DeSantis said, adding that he would prefer to allocate funds towards reimagining the Hillsborough College campus, including addressing deferred maintenance, rather than solely focusing on stadium construction. This shift in perspective represents a departure from previous Rays stadium efforts, which largely relied on funding from Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.

Zalupski, who acquired the team recently, expressed gratitude for the progress made in the past 100 days since taking ownership. “I’m incredibly grateful for what our organization and the Tampa community have accomplished…and of the progress we are making together toward a forever home for the Rays and our loyal fans,” he stated.

The Hillsborough College Board of Trustees approved a non-binding memorandum of understanding with the Rays on January 20, 2026, outlining a plan to redevelop the campus. This redevelopment aims not only to provide a new stadium but also to improve college facilities and expand workforce development and internship opportunities for the institution’s more than 45,000 students.

While the project has garnered significant support, substantial financial hurdles remain. Zalupski has pledged to cover roughly half of the $2.3 billion cost, including potential overruns, leaving more than $1.5 billion to be financed. Securing this funding will be crucial to realizing the Rays’ vision of a “forever home” in Tampa.

Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred also voiced his support for the project, stating that the level of support for the concept is “really, really high compared to some of the other efforts.” Manfred’s backing is significant, as he seeks to resolve the Rays’ stadium situation and facilitate potential league expansion before his planned retirement at the end of the decade.

The Rays’ ongoing pursuit of a new stadium reflects a broader trend in Major League Baseball, where teams are increasingly seeking modern, fan-friendly facilities integrated into vibrant mixed-use developments. The success of this project could serve as a model for future stadium initiatives across the league, demonstrating the potential for public-private partnerships to revitalize urban areas and enhance the fan experience.

The next steps involve continued negotiations with Hillsborough County regarding funding, further refinement of the stadium design based on site studies and community input, and securing the necessary approvals from local and state authorities. The Rays are hopeful that, after years of uncertainty, they are finally on the path to establishing a long-term home in the Tampa Bay area.