St. Pete-Clearwater Sun

Tampa city leaders are urging caution on a proposed $2.3 billion stadium deal for the Tampa Bay Rays, saying major financial and legal questions must be answered before any commitment is made.

A working draft memorandum of understanding outlines a plan to build a new stadium on the Hillsborough College Dale Mabry campus, with a target opening in 2029 and a key approval deadline of June 1. But during a City Council Citizens Advisory Budget and Finance Committee meeting last week, members made clear the deal is far from done.

The proposal calls for the Rays to fund the bulk of the project, including any cost overruns. The City of Tampa would contribute $251 million, while Hillsborough County would contribute $750 million — primarily through bonds backed by the Community Investment Tax, Tourist Development Tax, and other revenue sources.

Despite those funding mechanisms, concerns over the public’s financial exposure ran throughout the meeting. One committee member called for putting the question to voters, saying there is still time to place it on the November ballot. “This is everybody’s tax dollars,” committee member Stephanie Poyner said.

Tampa City Councilwoman Lynn Hurtak echoed that sentiment, saying she wants more community input before any decisions are finalized. She also flagged unresolved questions about whether development surrounding the stadium site could be structured to help offset public costs — something officials say has not yet been determined.

Hillsborough County commissioners are currently awaiting an outside legal opinion on whether certain tax revenues can lawfully be used to fund the project — a ruling Tampa leaders say will be critical to shaping next steps.

The proposed agreement includes a 35-year lease giving the Rays control over stadium operations and revenue streams, including tickets, naming rights, and sponsorships, along with plans for a mixed-use development surrounding the stadium.

A public workshop is scheduled for May 5 at the Tampa Convention Center, giving residents a chance to weigh in ahead of the June 1 deadline.

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