MLB.com<\/a> is reporting. <\/p>\nMeanwhile, the team will begin another series of public sessions for residents and students to give feedback on the \u201cChampions Quarter\u201d mixed-use district design.<\/p>\n
The Hillsborough County Hotel and Lodging association has supported the move to Tampa, saying a new stadium will attract new events, be a driver for more tourism, occupancy, support local jobs and business opportunities. <\/p>\n
However, not everyone is on board. Hillsborough County Commissioner Josh Wostal criticized both the structure of the agreement and the pace at which it has moved forward.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt the end of the day, I like the \u2018do no harm\u2019 clause as close as the tactic of a used car salesman, much of how this deal has been crammed down the taxpayers\u2019 throats,\u201d Wostal said.<\/p>\n
Still, the MOU\u2019s approval does bring a wide spectrum of opportunities. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe constantly complain there\u2019s not enough housing and not enough jobs. This is an opportunity to bring at least 12,000 jobs to the community,\u201d said Commissioner Gwen Myers. \u201cThis is a good deal.\u201d<\/p>\n
The proposed project includes a partnership with Hillsborough College to redevelop its Dale Mabry campus as part of a vibrant mixed-use district anchored by a new stadium.<\/p>\n
The Rays say the plan is designed to improve campus facilities, expand workforce development, and create curriculum and internship opportunities for more than 45,000 students, reinforcing the site as a key driver of regional growth.<\/p>\n
The agreement lowers the public contribution from the more than $1 billion initially proposed by the Rays.<\/p>\n
The Rays have been at odds with the City of St. Petersburg for years over the aging Tropicana Field. <\/p>\n
In 2024, Hurricane Milton destroyed the roof of the Trop, forcing the Rays to play all 2025 home games at Steinbrenner Field, the spring training home of the New York Yankees. <\/p>\n
The team and the city ultimately could not agree on terms for a new stadium and mixed use development in the Gas Plant District, where Tropicana Field sits.<\/p>\n
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