From left: Tampa Bay Rays ownership Bill Cosgrove, Patrick Zalupski, and CEO Ken Babby // Chris Young, WMNF News, 10/7/25
The Tampa City Council voted 4 to 3 to approve a nonbinding memorandum of understanding for a new $2.3 billion Tampa Bay Rays stadium.
The memorandum details a $976 million public contribution toward the cost of the stadium, with $796 million from Hillsborough County and around $180 million coming from the City of Tampa.
Councilmember Luis Viera said it wouldn’t be reasonable to vote the memorandum down.
“There are legitimate concerns that I obviously acknowledge, but, to me, the good far outweighs the bad in terms of moving forward at this time. It clearly does to me.” Viera said.
Public comment was mixed, with some cautioning councilmembers on making the deal, saying more conversations need to be had with the taxpayers.
Stephanie Poynor says the decisions should be put on the ballot.
“I have a real issue – my momma always says, my husband says you can’t spend other people’s money. And if we are voting on this, and I understand the MOU, and I understand how it works. But I also understand that you guys should not be making this decision.” Poyner said.
Council members Charlie Miranda, Guido Maniscalco, and Lynn Hurtak voted no.
Council members Bill Carlson, Naya Young, Luis Viera, and Alan Clendenin voted yes.
On Wednesday, Hillsborough County commissioners voted 5 to 2 in favor of the memorandum.