Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred voiced strong backing for a proposed new stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays on February 3, 2026. The support came during a press conference at Hillsborough College in Tampa, the planned site for a mixed-use development anchored by the ballpark. This move aims to secure the franchise's future in the region amid past challenges with venue deals.
The press conference at Hillsborough College highlighted a potential solution to the Rays' long-standing stadium issues. The proposed project would transform 113 acres of the campus into a mixed-use district, including a new ballpark, multifamily housing, retail spaces, hotels, restaurants, and bars, while allowing the college to remain on a smaller footprint. Rays Chief Executive Officer Ken Babby described it as the team's "new forever home" and a catalyst for community development.
DeSantis emphasized the project's potential, stating, "I think that when people see it, I think they’re going to realize the potential is going to be huge." He clarified that the state would not provide direct funding for the stadium but could assist with road improvements, deferred maintenance on campus buildings, and relocating a nearby juvenile justice facility. The state-owned property would be conveyed to the college to facilitate the partnership.
Manfred called the event a "milestone along a path that I believe will lead to the Tampa Bay Rays being a part of this community for decades to come." He stressed the need for a partnership between the team, local government, and community, noting, "I do think we’re at a point in the history of the club that something needs to get done." While not labeling it a final chance, he acknowledged alternatives in Florida, including Orlando.
The Rays, under new ownership including Babby, Patrick Zalupski of Dream Finders Homes, and Bill Cosgrove of Union Home Mortgage, signed a nonbinding memorandum of agreement with the college last month. The team committed to covering at least 50% of the stadium's construction costs, with the remainder to come from public sources yet to be detailed. Previous plans, including a $1.3 billion redevelopment in St. Petersburg, collapsed last year after Hurricane Milton damaged Tropicana Field in 2024. Repairs are complete, and the Rays are set to return there for the 2026 season under a lease extending through 2028.
The Hillsborough County Commission will review the proposal on February 4, 2026, focusing on potential funding frameworks. Local leaders expressed cautious optimism, marking this as a promising step after multiple failed attempts to build a modern venue.