The Tampa City Council has approved $80 million in public funding toward the Tampa Bay Rays' proposed $2.3 billion stadium and entertainment district.
The 4-3 vote advances the team's “Forever Home” project at the Hillsborough College North Dale Mabry campus after previous redevelopment proposals collapsed. The Rays plan to cover more than $1.3 billion of the project's cost, while public funding would primarily support infrastructure.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor called the development “transformational,” but some residents opposed using taxpayer money for the project.
The Rays are targeting the 2029 season for the new facility, with their current lease at Tropicana Field expiring after the 2028 season.
The project therefore depends on local government approvals moving forward quickly enough to keep the construction schedule on track.
Related Tweet:
City of Tampa approves $2.3 billion deal for a new Rays ballpark — including $967 million in tax money https://t.co/ClUks3Kwl8
— Chicago Tribune (@chicagotribune) August 28, 2026
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