How the Rays plan to build stadium at Hillsborough College
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Photo: Courtesy of Hillsborough College
The Tampa Bay Rays' vision for a new ballpark would also deliver a new campus for Hillsborough College, according to a non-binding agreement approved by college trustees on Tuesday.
Why it matters: With the vote came a first look at how the Rays would redevelop the 113 acres where Hillsborough College sits into a stadium and mixed-use development — and how the college stands to benefit.
Driving the news: The Rays would lease nearly all of the property from Hillsborough College for at least 99 years, except for a southwest parcel reserved for the college's campus.
- The new campus would be developed as a standalone project. The college wouldn't have to use the same developer as the Rays, and the deal guarantees the construction of new academic buildings.
- The Rays would also ensure that stadium and mixed-use construction do not interfere with college operations.
What they're saying: Gov. Ron DeSantis, an avid baseball fan, said at a press conference in Pinellas Park that the agreement would be "very good" for Hillsborough College, and the state could help with infrastructure.
- College president Ken Atwater called the project a "transformational opportunity" that would enhance education, "while strengthening the college's role as an economic and civic anchor."
The other side: Joshua Corson, an English instructor, addressed the board to question whether the mixed-use project would price future graduates out of the area.
- Corson argued the average apartment near the Rays' current home, Tropicana Field, is unaffordable on the $62,000 salary for associate's degree holders cited in the college's fact sheet.
The intrigue: The deal provides for a possible transfer of stadium ownership to Hillsborough County if public funds are used to construct the ballpark or surrounding facilities.
- That would add to Hillsborough County's list of stadiums it owns and maintains, which includes Raymond James Stadium, George Steinbrenner Field and Benchmark International Arena.
- All of those venues are in the midst of or waiting in line for costly upgrades.
What they're saying: Republican Hillsborough Commissioner Joshua Wostal didn't rule out supporting the project. But he described as a "nonstarter" any arrangement that would absolve the team of its tax burden for the stadium.
- "Public investments in private stadiums have a storied issue of over-promising and under-delivering," Wostal told Axios.
Editor's note: This is a developing story and will be updated.