Team and college leaders held the first of three community engagement sessions at HC’s Dale Mabry campus.
TAMPA, Fla. — Momentum is rising to build a new stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays.
Leaders from the team and Hillsborough College went face-to-face with the public during the first of three community engagement sessions. It was held Tuesday night at the college’s Dale Mabry Campus, where a new stadium and a mixed-use district are being proposed.
“I’m just glad that baseball is in Tampa instead of St. Pete and also not in any other state,” Rays fan Sydney Weed said.
Weed was the first to comment during the session and having recently attended 20 baseball games, she hopes to keep that streak alive once the new stadium is built.
Like other supporters, Weed said she’s thrilled about the new opportunities the development could bring, including jobs, visitors and the money that can be generated.
However, some critics also voiced concerns over finances, traffic, congestion, disruption to campus studies and activities, along with skepticism over how the proposal could benefit the college and taxpayers over the team.
Student Whitney Walker said she believes there are some pros to the project but also had questions over the development.
“I feel like the priority is being put on the Rays and not on the school and not the consideration with just how it’s going to move forward with the school,” Walker said.
From events hosted by students to parking, along with construction and potential delays, some students brought up concerns over the impact.
In response to some of the concerns raised, Hillsborough Community College President Ken Atwater said education is still the priority.
“If there are delays, we will adjust accordingly,” Atwater said. “We’re going to make sure that we maintain our quality learning environment.”
Tampa Bay Rays CEO Ken Babby presented to the public, saying the development could bring more than $55 billion over 30 years.
Babby also stated the development would bring 10 million annual visitors and provide more than 175 annual events, according to an analysis.
The stadium alone could cost up to $2.3 billion with the Rays covering half while the rest would be covered by the city and county.
County leaders are debating whether public dollars, including Community Investment Tax revenue, should help cover the remainder.
The mixed-use development consisting of retail and hospitality, among other attractions, would be privately funded.
Hillsborough Community College and the Rays have 180 days of exclusive negotiations to finalize binding agreements. The negotiating period began Jan. 20 and runs through July 19.
The Rays aim to have the new 31,000-seat ballpark ready by 2029.
Remaining Community Engagement Sessions on New Ballpark and District:
Tuesday, March 10, 20266:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.Jefferson High School Auditorium
4401 W Cypress St.
Tampa, FL 33607Wednesday, March 11, 20266:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.The Skills Center
5107 N 22nd St.
Tampa, FL 33610