A proposed new Tampa Bay Rays ballpark is advancing toward a potential vote next month, but the $2.3 billion price tag is generating pushback from at least one Hillsborough County commissioner.

The stadium is proposed for Hillsborough Community College’s Dale Mabry campus. The Rays’ new ownership group, led by Patrick Zalupski, has offered to cover 50% of the total cost, with the remaining 50% to be funded with public dollars.

Commissioner Joshua Wostal is calling for the release of internal documents related to the negotiations, arguing that the project could become the single-largest taxpayer-burdened undertaking in Hillsborough County history. Wostal has set an April 1 deadline for the Rays to produce those records, warning that the financial commitment could crowd out other infrastructure projects and worsen the region’s affordability challenges.

Supporters of the deal point to its potential economic benefits. Tampa City Council Chair Alan Clendenin cited estimates of nearly 14,000 jobs and increased tourism tax revenue, cautioning that releasing sensitive negotiating details prematurely could jeopardize the outcome.

Rays CEO Ken Babby expressed confidence in the deal at a fan engagement event, saying the team is committed to seeing it through.

Hillsborough County commissioners are expected to vote on the proposal as early as April 15, with the Tampa City Council voting the following day.

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