What to expect from Hillsborough's Rays stadium workshop
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The Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners is holding a workshop on Thursday to discuss the Rays' pitch for a multibillion-dollar ballpark and mixed-use development at Hillsborough College.
Why it matters: Commissioners will field questions and air complaints on what could amount to the largest commitment of taxpayer dollars to a sports stadium in the region's history.
- Here's a look at what will be discussed.
Driving the news: A presentation prepared for the workshop states that available funding from Hillsborough County and the city of Tampa is $75 million short of the Rays' $1.001 billion request.
- Hillsborough County could pitch in $272 million from the half-cent sales tax, $268 million from the tourist development tax, $132 from the budget reserve and $30 million from federal grants, per the presentation.
- The city of Tampa, meanwhile, could contribute $160 million from the Community Redevelopment Agency and $64 million from the half-cent sales tax, according to the presentation.
Between the lines: The question of whether the county's half-cent sales tax can be used to fund the stadium will soon be settled — likely in the Rays' favor.
- Outside attorneys consulted by County Attorney Julia Mandell said a county-owned sports stadium can be considered a "public facility," and therefore nothing would bar it from receiving tax revenue.
- But the issue could land before a judge. At a meeting on Wednesday, Jim Davison — who ran for the county commission in 2024 — threatened to sue if the half-cent sales tax were used for the stadium.
An analysis commissioned by the Tampa Sports Authority will also be discussed. It found that a new ballpark and mixed-use development could generate about $75 billion in economic impact between 2029 and 2058.
- It would create 7,400 jobs on-site and 2,300 more across the county, per the analysis.
What's next: The meeting is scheduled for 1:30pm at the Tampa Convention Center, and will be livestreamed here.
- The Rays want a deal finalized and approved by June 1, meaning commissioners would have to vote in May.