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DeSantis says he supports a new Rays ballpark in Tampa

  • On Feb. 3, 2026, DeSantis said the state will convey land to Hillsborough Community College so it can negotiate with the Rays, supporting the stadium plan.
  • After years of failed plans and storm damage, the Hillsborough College District Board of Trustees approved a nonbinding memorandum allowing exclusive negotiations with the Rays for a potential stadium and redevelopment.
  • Ken Babby, Rays CEO, said, 'In the coming days, you'll see the first renderings of our new development and ballpark, the new forever home of the Tampa Bay Rays that will serve as a catalyst for this new community,' as the project would redevelop 113 acres into a mixed-use district leased for at least 99 years.
  • Hillsborough County will consider stadium funding options Wednesday, with local funding unresolved as officials weigh visitor taxes and Sen. Danny Burgess sponsors a $50 million appropriation.
  • Proponents say the Rays' new ownership group targets a 2029 opening to meet their lease expiration in 2028, framing the plan with more than $34 billion in projected economic impact and workforce partnerships.
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37 Articles

Tallahassee DemocratTallahassee Democrat
Reposted by
USA TodayUSA Today
Center

Florida governor, Tampa Bay Rays eye stadium deal in Hillsborough County

·Tallahassee, United States
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Associated Press NewsAssociated Press News
+15 Reposted by 15 other sources
Lean Left

Florida's DeSantis and MLB commissioner support new Rays stadium in Tampa

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred have expressed support for a new stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays.

·United States
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Bay News 9 broke the news in Saint Petersburg, United States on Monday, February 2, 2026.
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