The Florida Cabinet voted Tuesday to grant a 22-acre parcel of state land to Hillsborough Community College (HC), clearing a key hurdle for a proposed Tampa Bay Rays baseball stadium on the college’s Dale Mabry Highway campus in Tampa.
Gov. Ron DeSantis, who presided over the vote, cited the potential economic benefits for both the college and the surrounding area. Attorney General James Uthmeier seconded the motion to approve.
The Rays envision a mixed-use entertainment district anchored by a domed stadium seating roughly 31,000 people, with the overall development spanning approximately 130 acres. Under the terms of the land transfer, the team has five years to begin construction or the state can reclaim the land.
The Dale Mabry campus sits adjacent to Raymond James Stadium. College officials note that most campus buildings are over 50 years old, driving up maintenance costs. HC President Paige Niehaus said the college is actively planning for both a temporary relocation and an eventual permanent home, describing the expected campus move as likely rapid once construction timelines are confirmed.
The Rays have said they aim to open a new stadium by the start of the 2029 MLB season, meaning construction would need to begin within months.
Major financial questions remain. Hillsborough County and the city of Tampa are still conducting economic impact studies to identify funding sources. The stadium itself is projected to cost just over $2 billion, with total development costs potentially reaching $8 billion.
Rays CEO Ken Babby called Tuesday’s vote “undoubtedly a big moment for Tampa Bay” and said the organization is committed to bringing the project to fruition.
Follow the St. Pete-Clearwater Sun on Facebook, Google, & X
St. Pete-Clearwater Sun: local St. Pete-Clearwater news at PIE-Sun.com
St. Pete-Clearwater Sun 
Leave a comment