TAMPA, Fla. – The deadline set by Tampa Bay Rays officials for a deal on funding for a new ballpark in Tampa now sits a month away.
Last month, Hillsborough County officials said they likely would not meet that deadline.
The team’s new owners want to build a $2.3-billion stadium/entertainment district on the campus of Hillsborough College, across from Raymond James Stadium.
Work on a deal continues as the Tampa Sports Authority met Thursday to discuss more details and ask more questions.
TSA members discussed possible funding sources and taxpayer impact to parking issues. The members also had questions about the team’s timeline for a funding approval.
Board member Alan Clendenin, who is also on the Tampa City Council, said talks between local governments and the team are still very fluid with no done deal yet.
“I have questions about the entire agreement because, again, until we have a signed document at the end, I don’t know what the agreement will ultimately be,” Clendenin said. “So, they may reach an agreement on something, then something else moves and other pieces move. So, I’m reserving judgment until I actually see a final document in front of me.”
Meanwhile, the city council is expected to hold a workshop next week to discuss a memorandum of understanding with team officials.