Tampa Bay Rays to Open Ballpark Experience Center in Westshore

“The Rays Ballpark Experience Center, when it opens in a few months in Westshore, will be what ‘Forever is Now’ is all about,” Rays Chief Executive Officer Ken Babby said, announcing a new facility designed to preview the team’s upcoming stadium. The facility aims to let fans, investors, and partners view interior stadium designs, seating choices, and surrounding developments ahead of the planned 2029 opening.

Westshore City Center Facility Offers Public Exhibits

The upcoming facility will be located at 1111 North Westshore Boulevard inside the Westshore City Center, a property owned by Ally Capital Group and leased and managed by Franklin Street, according to MLB.com. The venue will span nearly 15,000 square feet. Roughly one-third of the space will open to the general public, featuring family-friendly experiences, retail items, team memorabilia, and exhibits showcasing the new ballpark and district. Visitors can explore digital campus previews, create customized baseball cards, and view historical displays. The remaining two-thirds of the center will operate on an appointment-only basis for prospective season ticket members, premium clients, and partners.

Financing Approval Precedes Experience Center Announcement

The venue announcement follows recent approvals from the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners and the Tampa City Council regarding financing for the new stadium project, as reported by MLB.com. Team leadership highlighted that the new space will demonstrate how capital investments translate into physical design and marketing value. Babby noted that sponsors and marketing partners will be able to evaluate how signage, client engagement, and activation will function when the stadium opens.

Advanced Technology Previews Ballpark Seating and Districts

Visitors booking private appointments at the facility will use advanced technology to review different seating viewpoints, hospitality areas, and group spaces across the future ballpark and mixed-use campus. The surrounding district preview will incorporate interactive elements highlighting upcoming hotel, office, and retail developments tied to the project. Babby stated that general and premium ticket holders will no longer need to rely on imagination when selecting seats. Additional information regarding the project and upcoming facility opening dates remains available on the official team website.