The Tampa Bay Rays released an early look at plans for the team’s potential new home on Hillsborough College’s Dale Mabry Campus.

TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Rays have released renderings of the proposed new ballpark at Hillsborough College’s Dale Mabry campus.

The images include a look at the exterior of the proposed stadium, as well as a revamped section of the college campus.

An aerial view of the district shows the baseball field itself inside a structure with a glass ceiling.

Last month, HCC trustees unanimously passed a non-binding memorandum to build the new stadium on the school’s Dale Mabry campus. The plan would also bring hotels, housing, retail and new academic facilities to the area.

The initial renderings offer an early look at what the site could become. They are expected to change as more studies are completed and local leaders and residents give feedback.

“I’m incredibly grateful for what our organization and the Tampa community have accomplished in just over 100 days since acquiring the team, and of the progress we are making together toward a Forever Home for the Rays and our loyal fans,” Patrick Zalupski, managing partner of the Tampa Bay Rays, said in a statement.

In the coming weeks, officials from the Rays, Hillsborough College and Hillsborough County will host a series of community engagement sessions, where baseball fans, nearby residents, businesses and community members are encouraged to give feedback.

Those who wish to secure early access to seating in the new ballpark can make a $19.98 deposit at NewBallpark.RaysBaseball.com.


Who will pay for a new Rays stadium in Tampa?

Florida won’t be funding the new Rays stadium project, but it’s not exactly clear who will.

Officials are two weeks into a 180-day negotiating window to reach a deal, with funding emerging as the biggest unanswered question.

DeSantis has held strong in his position that the state does not finance professional sports stadiums. However, he did say that in addition to the land conveyance, the state could potentially help by paying for infrastructure improvements like traffic and road upgrades in the area.

The Rays said they would pay for at least 50% of the cost to build a new ballpark, according to an agenda posted for the commission meeting. Leaders from Hillsborough County and the city of Tampa are still discussing who will fund the rest. 

During a meeting on Wednesday, Hillsborough County commissioners voted to move forward with negotiations with the Tampa Bay Rays but clashed over how the project would be funded.

10 Tampa Bay News’ Andrea Chu and Kristen Barbaresi contributed to this report.Â