First public money of Rays $2.3 billion stadium funding approved
Financing plan for Rays' $2.3 billion stadium clears first key hurdle in county vote.
The $2. 3 billion baseball stadium sought by the Tampa Bay Rays has reached first base politically with a vote approving a preliminary financing plan including millions of public dollars by the Hillsborough County Commission. The panel voted 5-2 Wednesday in favor of the non-binding plan , which next goes to the Tampa City Council on Thursday.
If the proposal passes there, a new round of negotiations will begin on a final plan that would require future votes. Commission chair Ken Hagan said the plan is a "once in a lifetime project" that would be one of the largest in county history. “Today is a monumental day," Hagan said.
"Let's not lose track that this is a work in progress. " When would the new stadium be ready? The goal is to have the new ballpark ready for the 2029 season, with a 31,000-seat capacity.
The Rays will continue to play at Tropicana Field across the bay in St. Petersburg until then, if the Tampa project comes to fruition. The proposal also envisions private investment for nearby restaurants, bars, retail and other development on a 128-acre site.