Tampa narrowly approves non-binding Rays stadium agreement
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Rendering: Courtesy of the Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa City Council voted 4-3 Thursday to enter into a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Hillsborough County and the Rays to build a $2.3 billion stadium at Hillsborough College.
Why it matters: It's the Rays' second sweep this week — and a close one, at that.
- The first came against the Orioles on Wednesday. The second came off the field, winning approvals from two local governments and a ground lease from Hillsborough College.
Driving the news: The vote came at the end of nearly a five-hour meeting, in which fans in Rays merchandise aggressively advocated for the deal and vowed that those who voted "no" would not be forgotten.
- The "no" votes came from council members Charlie Miranda, Guido Maniscalco and Lynn Hurtak, who took issue with using the half-cent sales tax, arguing it was not intended for a new stadium.
- Council member Bill Carlson, who said he doesn't believe in private-sector subsidies, made it clear he would vote against the stadium deal in the future, but voted "yes" to help the Rays secure state funding.
- Miranda shouted at Carlson afterward, calling him a "sellout."
Zoom in: The memorandum calls for the City of Tampa and its community redevelopment agency (CRA) to contribute $180 million toward the new ballpark, compared to the county's $796 million.
- Of that amount, $80 million would come from the city's share of the half-cent sales tax, primarily earmarked for infrastructure serving the stadium, such as roadways and sidewalks.
- The CRA would cover the remaining $100 million with revenues generated by the stadium district, which includes both the ballpark and the mixed-use development planned alongside it.
Between the lines: Negotiations are far from over, and it appears the Rays still don't have the votes needed to get a final deal across the finish line in the Tampa City Council.
- The greatest threat to a new Rays stadium is time. The team had aimed to complete the deal by June 1, but conceded (after some prodding) that it would be satisfied with the memorandum.
What's next: All eyes are on lawmakers in Tallahassee, who are at work on the state budget, and whether these votes move them enough to provide the funds requested for Hillsborough College's million-dollar makeover.
- The reimagined campus is central to the deal, as its existing buildings would need to be razed to make room for the new ballpark.