DeSantis, MLB's Manfred praise plans for new Rays stadium in Tampa
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Photo: Yacob Reyes/Axios
The planned Tampa Bay Rays stadium at Hillsborough College added two prominent backers on Tuesday: Gov. Ron DeSantis and MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred.
Why it matters: As the plan's momentum grows, Tuesday's joint appearance in Tampa by the leaders of the state and the sport was more than just a symbolic boost.
- Speaking at Hillsborough College, DeSantis confirmed that the state is open to transferring the land it owns at the Dale Mabry campus, a key early hurdle for the stadium project.
Driving the news: "We're going to be conveying the land to the college, and then they will be able to negotiate use with the Rays in ways that I think will be mutually beneficial," DeSantis said.
- Manfred called Tuesday "a milestone" along a path that would keep the Rays in Tampa Bay "for decades to come."
- He said the collaboration between the Rays, local governments, the college and the community represents "the kind of partnership that can make the Rays durable and successful here."
The intrigue: Both DeSantis and Manfred described the Rays' ownership change last year as pivotal for the franchise. DeSantis said the team had been a "distressed asset."
- "Within the game, there's great excitement about the new ownership group here with the Tampa Bay Rays," Manfred said.
The big picture: State support will be crucial to the Rays' transformation of the 113-acre Hillsborough College campus into a stadium, mixed-use development and modernized college facilities.
- The college recently requested $50 million from the state to build its new campus, targeting construction to conclude by Feb. 2, 2029, just ahead of Opening Day 2029.
- DeSantis has said previously that the state is open to helping with infrastructure for the project.
The intrigue: The Tampa Sports Authority on Tuesday afternoon agreed to conduct a study on the economic impact of a new Rays stadium.
- On Wednesday, the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners will receive an update on the team's discussions, with an agenda item noting that the Rays intend to bear at least half of the stadium cost.
- Commissioner Ken Hagan (R) told Axios that he believes the board, which has made a point of tightening its purse, can meet this moment.
Editor's note: This story was updated to reflect the outcome of Tuesday's vote by the Tampa Sports Authority.