TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa city leaders are emphasizing that a proposed $2.3 billion stadium deal for the Tampa Bay Rays is far from final, as questions continue to surface about funding, timelines, and long-term impact.

What You Need To Know

Tampa leaders say the proposed $2.3 billion Rays stadium deal is not final and requires more review before any commitment.

Committee members raised concerns about public funding, taxpayer impact, and lack of key financial details.

Councilwoman Lynn Hurtak emphasized the need for more public input and time to answer major questions.

A June 1, 2026, deadline is approaching, with a public workshop scheduled for May 5 as discussions continue.

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, 2026. It was released on Thursday.

But during a City Council Citizens Advisory Budget and Finance Committee meeting, members made it clear they want more answers before moving forward.

“No one questions that we want the Tampa Bay Rays in the region, but we cannot mortgage our future to fund it,” one committee member said.

The proposal calls for the Rays to fund the most of 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, rather than general funds.

Still, concerns about public investment remain.

More Rays Stadium Headines

“We still have time to put it on the November ballot. There’s no reason why it shouldn’t be there. You know, and honestly, this is everybody’s taxed dollars,” another committee member, Stephanie Poyner said.

Tampa City Councilwoman Lynn Hurtak said she is hearing similar concerns from residents and wants more public input before any decisions are made.

“We need to hear from folks about if they want this stadium and how they do want to fund it if it were to come. And I think those are all really big questions and I don’t think that they can necessarily be answered in a short period of time,” Hurtak said.

She also pointed to unanswered questions about how surrounding development could factor into the financial picture.

“The land around it is the question, would that be taxable? Would that be part of the C.R.A. So that it could help fund itself? And we don’t know the answer to that right now. Unfortunately, we have more questions than we do answers,” she said.

Concern inside the Citizens Advisory Budget & Finance Committee over the $2.3B Rays stadium proposal. Members warn against rushing — saying key financial questions remain unanswered. #Tampa #Rays @BN9 pic.twitter.com/eZgPs2Pd1e

— Fadia Mayté Patterson, M.S. (@FadiaTVNews) April 10, 2026

The proposed agreement includes a 35-year lease, giving the Rays control over stadium operations and revenue streams, including tickets, naming rights, and sponsorships. Plans also include a broader mixed-use development surrounding the stadium, which supporters say could generate significant economic activity.

However, key financial and legal questions remain unresolved — including whether certain tax revenues can be used to fund the project. Hillsborough County commissioners are currently awaiting an outside legal opinion on that issue, a step Tampa city leaders say will help guide their next move.

In the meantime, officials stress that they are still in the information-gathering phase.

A public workshop on the proposed deal is scheduled for May 5 at the Tampa Convention Center, where residents will have an opportunity to weigh in.

With the June 1 deadline approaching, city leaders say they are feeling the pressure but maintain that a decision of this magnitude requires careful review and public input before any major commitment is made.