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Rays stadium plans: DeSantis, MLB commissioner on team’s future at Hillsborough College
Governor Ron DeSantis joined MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred in Tampa for a news conference at Hillsborough College — the site being eyed by the Tampa Bay Rays’ new ownership team for a potential ballpark. It was a discussion with a clear message: Baseball can succeed in Tampa Bay.
TAMPA, Fla. - Governor Ron DeSantis was joined by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and the Tampa Bays Rays' ownership Tuesday morning at Hillsborough College, the site the team is eyeing for potential stadium developments.
Support for Rays stadium plans in Tampa
What we know:
The message was clear from the governor: "Baseball belongs in Tampa Bay. Baseball can succeed in Tampa Bay."
He was very supportive of the team as the new ownership group continues to explore what's next for the team and potential plans for a new Rays stadium as well as a rejuvenated Hillsborough College campus. It marks the first time the governor, who has a reported close relationship with the Rays’ new ownership group led by Patrick Zalupski, has put his full weight behind a Rays stadium plan.
Pictured: Governor Ron DeSantis at Hillsborough College.
He said the state will support this effort however it can, which could come into play. Because the state owns the land, the governor’s backing is a critical hurdle cleared for the "work-live-learn-play" vision the team has proposed.
DeSantis also said the opportunity is a huge upside for the college, which he said could use the boost of the potential development.
What they're saying:
Manfred also threw in his excitement for the new ownership group, which has Florida roots, saying the MLB wants baseball to succeed in the Tampa Bay area. But, the time is now.
Pictured: MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred at Hillsborough College.
"I'm not big on predictions on last chance, more chances. I do think the governor made an important point. Florida is vibrant, there are different alternatives in Florida, and I do think we're at a point in the history of the club that something needs to get done," Manfred said. "But, I would be hesitant to characterize it as this, or never again."
HC President Ken Atwater also attended the news conference, which came two weeks after the board of trustees voted to enter into a "Memorandum of Understanding," which authorized them to pursue a partnership with the Rays on potential development plans for the Dale Mabry campus.
Atwater called this a "game-changing" opportunity for the college in hopes of enhancing student experience.
Pictured: The Rays ownership group.
"To the Rays ownership group — Patrick, Bill and Ken — we're thrilled that you have asked Hillsborough College to be a partner in your mission to serve your fans, our students and our community for generations to come with a new and forever home for the Tampa Bay Rays," Atwater said. "Please know, we look forward to working with the Rays, the city, the county and the state and certainly our key stakeholders to bring this opportunity to light."
Latest on Rays stadium plans
The proposed "College District" would relocate existing HC facilities to a dedicated corner of the property, while the rest of the 113 acres would be leased to the team for at least 99 years.
What they're saying:
"There's still great work ahead of us to be able to bring this to reality, but what I can say with certainty is that we believe with conviction... That we're going to be able to create a world-class work-live-learn-play development here in Tampa Bay," said Ken Babby, the Rays CEO.
The other side:
While the state and team are aligned, local funding remains in question. The Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners has explicitly ruled out using general revenue funds, which is taxpayer money used for basic services, to pay for the stadium.
To bridge the 50% funding gap, the team has suggested several "visitor-heavy" options:
- Tourist Development Taxes (Hotel/Bed taxes).
- Car rental fees and ticket surcharges.
- Community Redevelopment Funds (CRA property tax revenue generated by the project itself).
- Special Taxing Districts (Special assessments on the new businesses within the development).
What's next:
The immediate focus is the 180-day exclusive negotiation window established by a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Officials must determine the exact relocation costs for the college and establish a "feasible framework" for the public half of the financing.
READ: St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch on Rays potentially moving to Tampa, focuses for reelection bid
In the meantime, the Rays are set to return to a repaired Tropicana Field for the 2026 season while they wait for their future home to take shape.
The Source: This story includes information from a Tuesday morning news conference with Governor Ron DeSantis and MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. It also details compiled from transcripts of news briefings involving Rays CEO Ken Babby, public statements from DeSantis, and the agenda for the Hillsborough College Board of Trustees special meeting. Details on funding mechanisms were sourced from conceptual frameworks presented to the Hillsborough County Commission.