Rays, Tampa Reach $2.3 Billion Ballpark Deal

Tampa Bay Rays officials and local leaders in Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa announced a tentative $2.3 billion agreement Thursday for a new ballpark and mixed-use development, marking a potential breakthrough after years of uncertainty for the Major League Baseball team.

The nonbinding memorandum of understanding calls for $967 million in public tax dollars to fund the stadium, with the remainder covered by private investment. Elected officials from the county and city plan to vote on the deal at separate meetings next week. If approved, the project would transform the Dale Mabry Campus of Hillsborough Community College into a new home for the Rays, including renovations to college buildings and a privately financed neighborhood featuring work, living, learning and entertainment spaces.

"The Rays respectfully but resolutely encourage Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa to approve the MOU and make possible a Forever Home for our community's Tampa Bay Rays, breathe new life into the Dale Mabry Campus of Hillsborough College, and create a new privately financed neighborhood that will be an inviting and inclusive destination to work, live, learn, and play," Rays...