ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Rays CEO Ken Babby says he’s kept St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch up to date regarding the possibility of moving to Hillsborough County, so talks of leaving town shouldn’t come as a surprise.
On Tuesday, Hillsborough College’s Board of Trustees unanimously voted to approve a non-binding memorandum of understanding with the Rays that could pave the way for a new ballpark site at the current HCC Dale Mabry Campus.
As the plans to cross the bay and leave Pinellas County move forward, the city of St. Pete has put forward roughly $60 million to repair the hurricane-damaged Tropicana Field and get it ready for opening day on April 6.
What You Need To Know
Rays last season at Tropicana Field expected to be 2028
Hillsborough College’s Board of Trustees unanimously voted in favor of Rays plan
City of Tampa, Hillsborough County still need to approve plans
MORE: Hillsborough College OKs Rays stadium plans
“Our organization is, in many ways, ambidextrous,” Babby said. “We’re working as hard as we can to get ready for April, to bring our team back home to Tropicana Field, while at the same time working to find that forever home that is so important in terms of our success.”
If plans move forward, the new ballpark would be on the southeast corner of the site, directly across the street from Raymond James Stadium. College buildings would need to be demolished to make room for the new ballpark, and a new tower for the college would be built on the southwest corner of the property facing North Lois Avenue.
Babby says he’s been in communication with Welch throughout the process.
“I’ve talked frequently with the mayor, several times over the weekend,” Babby said. “We’ve kept him abreast of these conversations. We’ve had various conversations with city council members and county commissioners across the bay. This is the community’s team.”
Welch has yet to publicly comment on the Hillsborough College proposal.