Tampa narrowly approves Rays stadium deal
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Rays fans in the audience at Thursday's Tampa City Council meeting. Photo: Yacob Reyes/Axios
The Tampa City Council gave the Rays its stamp of approval Thursday for a $2.3 billion stadium at Hillsborough College.
Why it matters: It's an outcome that seemed unlikely just weeks ago, when council members twice swatted down votes on the ballpark.
- Changes to the city's portion of the deal have put the team closer than ever to a stadium on this side of the Bay — but the project's fate now rests with the Hillsborough County Commission.
Driving the news: Council member Bill Carlson, who had once vowed to vote "no" on the final deal, ultimately became the swing vote.
- Carlson objected to the city's contribution under the original deal and helped craft a new arrangement that significantly reduced the city's share of the stadium cost.
- Council members Charlie Miranda, Guido Maniscalco and Lynn Hurtak voted "no" on the deal, taking issue with the revenue the city would rake in from the stadium after its obligations are paid.
Inside the room: Rays fans packed City Council chambers on Thursday, as they have during every vote, urging the city to approve the deal with the same fervor one would expect at a game.
- But not everyone was in support. "Amendment three should be predominant in your minds," said Sandy Sanchez, referencing the ballot measure to overhaul the state's property tax system.
- "Please postpone the vote until after Nov. 3," she added, "so you have more time to… make rational decisions."
Follow the money: Tampa would, under the agreement, contribute up to $80 million for the stadium, paid in four annual installments, to be used for roads, sidewalks, parking and other public infrastructure.
- The Rays originally wanted $180 million from Tampa. Instead, the team is fronting $100 million itself, to be repaid with interest from the stadium district's future property tax revenue.
- Hillsborough County, meanwhile, would contribute up to $796 million toward the stadium, primarily drawn from the voter-approved half-cent sales tax and tourist development taxes.
Friction point: The County Commission could prove less receptive than the City Council.
- Commissioners Chris Boles and Christine Miller — who both voted "yes" on the original deal — have raised concerns about the final one, according to the Tampa Bay Times, and may upend it.
What's next: The County Commission will take up the stadium agreement on Friday at 9am.