Are We Getting a Rays Stadium in Tampa?
The debate continues over plans that could eventually bring the Rays across the bay to Tampa. Supporters say it would boost economic development. Critics say taxpayers shouldn't be on the hook for another stadium.
What Is Actually Being Proposed?
The Tampa Bay Rays, Hillsborough County, and the City of Tampa have reached a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a new stadium project in Tampa. The proposed stadium would be built on land currently occupied by the Hillsborough College Dale Mabry campus, near:
Raymond James Stadium
Steinbrenner Field
Dale Mabry Highway
Tampa International Airport
The goal is to have the ballpark open by the 2029 MLB season.
$$ How Much Would It Cost? $$
Current projected cost: $2.3 billion
Proposed funding breakdown:
Source | Proposed Contribution |
|---|---|
Rays Ownership | ~$1.27 billion |
Hillsborough County | ~$750 million |
City of Tampa | ~$226-$251 million |
Total Public Contribution | ~$976 million |
The Rays would also be responsible for construction overruns under the current framework. Team officials describe it as the largest private investment by a sports franchise in Florida history.
What Would Actually Be Built?
The stadium itself is only part of the proposal.
The project includes:
A new indoor ballpark
Retail space
Restaurants
Entertainment venues
Housing
Office development
Public gathering areas
The Rays have publicly stated they intend to invest billions more into surrounding mixed-use development beyond the stadium itself. County documents reference plans that could exceed $8 billion in surrounding development over time.
Many comparisons have been made to:
The Battery Atlanta (Atlanta Braves)
Mixed-use sports districts that combine stadiums with restaurants, hotels, apartments, and entertainment.
Why This Location?
Supporters point to several advantages:
Central Location
The site is closer to the population center of the Tampa Bay region than Tropicana Field.
Highway Access
Near:
Veterans Expressway
Dale Mabry
I-275
Airport access
Existing Sports District
Already surrounded by:
Raymond James Stadium
Steinbrenner Field
Yankees spring training facilities
Supporters argue this creates a year-round sports and entertainment district.
What Has Been Approved So Far?
Important distinction:
The stadium is NOT fully approved.
What has happened:
Hillsborough County approved the non-binding MOU by a 5-2 vote.
Tampa City Council approved participation by a 4-3 vote.
These votes allow negotiations to continue but do not constitute final construction approval. Numerous detailed agreements still need to be negotiated.
The Biggest Concern Being Raised
This is the issue that repeatedly appears in reporting.
Many economic studies presented to local officials suggest the stadium itself is not where most projected economic benefits would come from.
Instead, supporters argue the surrounding mixed-use development would generate
Property taxes
Business activity
New jobs
Tourism spending
However, critics point out that the current MOU does not require the Rays to build the larger development on any specific timetable. The stadium would be contractually addressed first, while much of the surrounding development remains conceptual.
Axios summarized the concern as the "billion-dollar question" because the projected public return depends heavily on development outside the stadium itself.
Public Funding Debate
The largest source of controversy is the nearly $1 billion in public participation.
Supporters argue:
Tampa Bay risks losing MLB without a modern stadium.
The project could become a major economic engine.
The Rays are contributing more than half of the stadium cost.
Development around the ballpark could generate long-term tax revenue.
Critics argue:
Public money could instead fund roads, public safety, infrastructure, or housing.
Economic projections may be overly optimistic.
Taxpayers assume significant risk if development doesn't occur as promised.
City finance officials have publicly warned that if future tax revenue underperforms projections, Tampa could face pressure on funding for other municipal priorities.
What Is The General Local Consensus?
There is no clear consensus.
What emerges from public meetings, council votes, social media, and local coverage is a split community.
Strong Supporters
Many fans and business leaders support the proposal because:
They want MLB permanently in Tampa.
They view the location as superior to St. Petersburg.
They believe the project could transform the area around Dale Mabry.
Public meetings included many attendees advocating strongly for approval.
Strong Opponents
Others oppose it because:
Nearly $1 billion in public support feels excessive.
Traffic around Dale Mabry and Raymond James is already difficult.
There is skepticism about projected economic benefits.
The surrounding development is not yet guaranteed.
The Middle Ground
A large number of residents appear to fall into a third category:
"I want the Rays in Tampa, but I don't want taxpayers carrying all the risk."
What This Means For Carrollwood, Citrus Park, Westchase & Odessa
If built, the stadium would be roughly 15–25 minutes from much of Carrollwood, Citrus Park, Westchase, and Odessa.
Potential local impacts frequently discussed include:
Increased traffic around Dale Mabry and Veterans corridors.
New restaurants and entertainment venues.
Additional commercial development.
Increased property values in some nearby areas.
More activity around the airport and Westshore corridors.
For us, the stadium isn't some distant downtown project. It would become one of the largest developments ever constructed in our backyard.
The key question now is no longer
"Will Tampa pursue the Rays?"
The question being debated is:
"Is the proposed public investment worth the economic benefits that supporters say will follow?"
Building Something?
Citrus Park Plaza Transformation Continues
Changes continue around Citrus Park Plaza as new tenants move in and others shuffle locations.
This remains one of the most-watched commercial developments in Northwest Tampa because it affects shopping, dining, and traffic patterns throughout Citrus Park and Carrollwood.
What We'd Love to See
What would you add?
Restaurant Intel
Restaurants Worth Watching
Saucy by KFC
The highly anticipated chicken concept continues building buzz among local food lovers.
Plaza Redevelopment Dining Rumors
Residents continue speculating about what additional dining concepts could be headed into Citrus Park-area shopping centers.
Local Question
What closed restaurant do you miss most?
Reply and let us know.
What's Everyone Complaining About?
This week's winners:
🥇 Traffic around Veterans Expressway interchanges
🥈 Rising homeowners insurance costs
🥉 Increasing congestion in Westchase and Citrus Park
Young The Giant
Wednesday
Jannus Live – St. Petersburg
Rolling Together Revue
Friday
G. Love • Donavon Frankenreiter • Moon Taxi
Jannus Live – St. Petersburg
Maddix
Friday
The Ritz Ybor
Worth The Drive
Downtown Safety Harbor
One of the best nearby day trips.
Why go?
Walkable downtown
Local shops
Breweries
Waterfront park
Live music most weekends
Drive Time:
Approximately 25 minutes from Citrus Park.
Local Business Spotlight
Felicitous Coffee & Tea House
11706 N 51st St., Tampa 33617
Still one of the most unique gathering spots in the Carrollwood area.
Known for:
Coffee
Tea
Outdoor seating
Frequent community events
Trend Watch
Three things gaining momentum locally:
More mixed-use developments
Boutique fitness concepts
Family entertainment venues
Expect to hear more about all three throughout 2026.
One Question For Readers
If you could bring one business to Carrollwood or Citrus Park tomorrow, what would it be?
Leave us a comment or start a debate about any of the information in this weeks newsletter. We love to hear your thoughts and opinions. Cheers!