TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Tampa Bay Rays are another step closer to building a new stadium in Tampa after City Council approved a community benefits agreement Thursday, outlining millions of dollars in investments for local neighborhoods.
The agreement is tied to the Rays’ proposed stadium and entertainment district at Hillsborough College’s Dale Mabry campus.
Under the plan, the Rays would provide $60 million in community benefits over 35 years, with $21 million designated for the City of Tampa and $39 million for Hillsborough County.
The benefits would be delivered over time rather than all at once.
Where would the money go?
Tampa’s first $4.2 million in community benefits would be provided over five years, beginning in 2027.
More than $2.5 million would go toward housing and neighborhood improvements, including:
$1.25 million for housing stability and anti-displacement programs, including rental assistance and home repairs.
$625,000 for improvements to Al Lopez Park.
$600,000 for a new Neighborhood Impact and Connectivity Fund benefiting Drew Park and West Tampa.
$100,000 for neighborhood investment grants.
Additional funding would support workforce development, small businesses, youth sports, transportation improvements and public safety.
The revised agreement also requires at least 70% of the first $4.2 million in benefits to be provided in cash, rather than counting items such as tickets and advisory boards toward that commitment.
Not everyone supports the agreement
Despite Thursday’s approval, some residents and council members raised concerns about the project.
The proposed stadium would be built on Hillsborough College’s Dale Mabry campus, prompting questions about the future of existing college facilities and recreational spaces.
During public comment, one resident urged council members to reconsider the potential loss of those facilities.
“Tampa already had plenty of places to eat and shop and to stay, we don’t need to sacrifice valuable public facilities to create more of them,” the resident said.
Councilwoman Lynn Hurtak also questioned the long-term value of the community benefits agreement, arguing that inflation would reduce the purchasing power of the money over the next several decades.
“We’re going to get the most amount of our money if we actually do a reduction in what we give them instead of this community benefits agreement,” Hurtak said, arguing that the value of the commitment would decline significantly over time.
Hurtak, Guido Maniscalco and Charlie Miranda voted against the agreement.
How will the Rays be held accountable?
The agreement includes several measures intended to ensure the promised community benefits are delivered.
The Rays would be required to provide annual reports outlining progress and how benefits are being delivered.
A community advisory committee would also help guide the investments, while Tampa City Council would review the next round of proposed projects every five years.
The agreement also establishes a goal of having registered apprentices perform at least 8% of construction labor hours on the ballpark itself.
What’s next for the stadium project?
Thursday’s approval marks another step in the Rays’ effort to build a new ballpark in Tampa, but it does not mean the overall stadium deal is finalized.
Additional approvals and agreements are still needed before the project can move forward.
The proposed development would transform the Hillsborough College Dale Mabry campus into a new home for the Rays, alongside a larger mixed-use district.
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