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Tampa Approves $2.3B Deal for a New Rays Ballpark
City administrators proposed an $80 million loan as public speakers debated whether the team and county are paying enough for the project.
On Thursday, the Tampa City Council voted 4-3 to approve $80 million in funding for the Tampa Bay Rays' proposed $2.3 billion stadium and entertainment district at the Hillsborough College North Dale Mabry campus.
After previous redevelopment deals fell through, the Rays structured this 'Forever Home' agreement to cover more than $1.3 billion of the $2.3 billion project cost themselves, securing public contributions for infrastructure.
While Tampa Mayor Jane Castor praised the project as 'transformational,' resident Carmen Edmonds opposed public funding, stating, 'As taxpayers, we do not want our money going to fund a billionaire's pet project.'
The Hillsborough County Commission is scheduled to hold a special meeting on Friday to vote on their approximately $800 million funding share, with approval setting the project toward construction.
Team officials aim to complete the facility for the 2029 season, with the Rays' current lease at Tropicana Field running through 2028, making these approvals critical for the construction timeline.