Tampa City Council approves $2.3 billion Rays ballpark deal
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 28, 2026, 12:42 AM
Last updated Aug 28, 2026
On August 27, 2026, the Tampa City Council voted 4-3 to approve a $2.3 billion deal for a new Tampa Bay Rays ballpark. The plan involves both public and private funding, with $967 million allocated from tax revenue. Rays CEO Ken Babby highlighted the potential long-term benefits of the project for the region. The new stadium is set to be built on the campus of Hillsborough College, which includes a mixed-use entertainment district. The Rays currently play at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg and hope to complete the new venue within three years, while the team's lease at the Trop runs through at least the 2028 season.
- •Council vote took place on August 27, 2026.
- •New ballpark funding includes $967 million in tax money.
- •Stadium to be located on Hillsborough College campus.
- •Rays aim for completion of new stadium within three years.
- •Current lease at Tropicana Field runs through at least 2028.
- 1:37 AMESPN MLB — Tampa approves $2.3B deal for new Rays stadium
- 11:59 PMYahoo Sports — Tampa approves $2.3B deal for a new Rays ballpark
"City officials on Thursday approved a $2.3 billion deal for a new Tampa Bay Rays ballpark funded by public and private money. The 4-3 vote by the Tampa City Council came three months after a tentative agreement was reached for a stadium, which would include $967 million in tax money. Rays Chief Executive Officer Ken Babby said in a statement that the stadium project will “deliver lasting benefits” for the region.
"By a 4-3 vote, the Tampa City Council approved a $2.3 billion deal for a new Tampa Bay Rays ballpark funded by public and private money.
Sources
External links- ESPN MLBAug 28, 2026, 1:37 AMTampa approves $2.3B deal for new Rays stadium
By a 4-3 vote, the Tampa City Council approved a $2.3 billion deal for a new Tampa Bay Rays ballpark funded by public and private money.
- Yahoo SportsAug 27, 2026, 11:59 PMTampa approves $2.3B deal for a new Rays ballpark
City officials on Thursday approved a $2.3 billion deal for a new Tampa Bay Rays ballpark funded by public and private money. The 4-3 vote by the Tampa City Council came three months after a tentative agreement was reached for a stadium, which would include $967 million in tax money. Rays Chief Executive Officer Ken Babby said in a statement that the stadium project will “deliver lasting benefits” for the region.
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