TAMPA, Fla. \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
What You Need To Know<\/p>\n
Tampa leaders say the proposed $2.3 billion Rays stadium deal is\u00a0not final\u00a0and requires more review before any commitment.
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Committee members raised concerns about\u00a0public funding, taxpayer impact, and lack of key financial details.
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Councilwoman\u00a0Lynn Hurtak\u00a0emphasized the need for\u00a0more public input and time to answer major questions.
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A\u00a0June 1, 2026, deadline\u00a0is approaching, with a public workshop scheduled for\u00a0May 5\u00a0as discussions continue.<\/p>\n
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<\/a>.<\/p>\n But during a City Council Citizens Advisory Budget and Finance Committee meeting, members made it clear they want more answers before moving forward.<\/p>\n “No one questions that we want the Tampa Bay Rays in the region, but we cannot mortgage our future to fund it,\u201d one committee member said.<\/p>\n 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 \u2014 primarily through bonds backed by the Community Investment Tax, Tourist Development Tax, and other revenue sources, rather than general funds.<\/p>\n Still, concerns about public investment remain.<\/p>\n More Rays Stadium Headines<\/p>\n \u201cWe 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,\u201d another committee member, Stephanie Poyner said.<\/p>\n Tampa City Councilwoman Lynn Hurtak said she is hearing similar concerns from residents and wants more public input before any decisions are made.<\/p>\n \u201cWe 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,\u201d Hurtak said.<\/p>\n She also pointed to unanswered questions about how surrounding development could factor into the financial picture.<\/p>\n \u201cThe 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Concern inside the Citizens Advisory Budget & Finance Committee over the $2.3B Rays stadium proposal. Members warn against rushing \u2014 saying key financial questions remain unanswered. #Tampa<\/a> #Rays<\/a> @BN9<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/eZgPs2Pd1e<\/a><\/p>\n