\u2014 Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) July 27, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cIn doing so, we create thousands of jobs across hospitality, entertainment, security, operations, and support services. It\u2019s the definition of a generational opportunity for our region.”<\/p>\n The planned 100-plus-acre mixed-use development will encompass more than 8 million square feet of mixed-use space organized around four distinctive districts: Champions Quarter, Innovation Edge (featuring a reimagined Hillsborough College campus), The Canopy, and The Row. Together, officials say, these neighborhoods will redefine and enhance Tampa Bay as a sports and entertainment destination.<\/p>\n The property for the project at Hillsborough College is located next to the New York Yankees\u2019 spring training facility and across a highway from Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.<\/p>\n In February,\u00a0the team released renderings of the proposed stadium and mixed-use district<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Rays are seeking $976 million in public contributions to the project, with $796 million from the county and $180 million from the city.<\/p>\n Tampa city leaders last month\u00a0pushed back a vote on the stadium<\/a>\u00a0until August.<\/p>\n In May, by a 5-2 vote,\u00a0Hillsboro<\/a>ugh County commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding<\/a>\u00a0related to the building of a new stadium. The Hillsborough College Board of Trustees\u00a0also gave its OK to a lease agreement<\/a>.<\/p>\n Team officials say they want to be in the new facility in time for the 2029 season.<\/p>\n A rendering of the Rays’ new ballpark hosting a college graduation. (Tampa Bay Rays)<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Stadium_HC.jpeg\")
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