Tampa, FL – Florida leaders approved a key land agreement that could help move forward plans for a new Tampa Bay Rays stadium, marking a significant step in the team’s long running search for a future home.
Gov. Ron DeSantis and members of the Florida Cabinet voted to transfer about 22 acres of state owned land at Hillsborough Community College’s Dale Mabry campus to support redevelopment efforts connected to the project.
State officials said the property, previously restricted to educational use, can now be incorporated into a larger mixed use area that could include a baseball stadium, retail space, housing and entertainment venues while allowing the college to continue operating nearby.
The site sits near existing sports facilities such as Raymond James Stadium and Steinbrenner Field, an area leaders described as suitable for redevelopment.
Under the agreement, the state retains the right to reclaim the land if major elements of the proposed project are not completed within a specified timeframe.
Officials emphasized that the approval does not finalize funding or construction plans, and negotiations involving local governments and the Rays organization are expected to continue.
Team ownership has indicated it intends to cover a significant portion of the stadium’s projected cost, while public financing options may be considered at the local level.
The land transfer represents a major milestone after previous redevelopment efforts involving the Rays fell through in recent years.