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Rays want $1 billion from Hillsborough, Tampa for new ballpark

That's $400 million more than what the team sought from Pinellas County and St. Petersburg.

News

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rays" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/05/rays-new-stadium-renderings-hillsborough-college" data-vars-content-id="fbcba576-c5ee-47fa-9718-6cf0977755c7" data-vars-headline="Rays want $1 billion from Hillsborough, Tampa for new ballpark" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/05/rays-new-stadium-renderings-hillsborough-college" target="_self">Rays</a> are looking for about $1 billion from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hillsborough County" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/04/01/rays-loom-over-hillsborough-commission-meeting" data-vars-content-id="fbcba576-c5ee-47fa-9718-6cf0977755c7" data-vars-headline="Rays want $1 billion from Hillsborough, Tampa for new ballpark" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/04/01/rays-loom-over-hillsborough-commission-meeting" target="_self">Hillsborough County</a> and the City of Tampa to build a new ballpark, according to a working draft of the memorandum of understanding obtained by Axios.Why it matters: That&#x27;s $400 million more than what the team <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sought from Pinellas County and St. Petersburg" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/09/20/mlb-rays-new-stadium-deal-st-petersburg" data-vars-content-id="fbcba576-c5ee-47fa-9718-6cf0977755c7" data-vars-headline="Rays want $1 billion from Hillsborough, Tampa for new ballpark" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/09/20/mlb-rays-new-stadium-deal-st-petersburg" target="_self">sought from Pinellas County and St. Petersburg</a> — and would be the largest commitment of taxpayer dollars to a sports stadium in the region&#x27;s history.

Country Thunder Florida sells tickets as permits remain unapproved

The December announcement sounded like a dream: Music festival <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Country Thunder Florida" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/12/10/country-thunder-florida-2026-lineup" data-vars-content-id="abc24741-7c62-4500-bf2b-c397615b4ee4" data-vars-headline="Country Thunder Florida sells tickets as permits remain unapproved" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/12/10/country-thunder-florida-2026-lineup" target="_self">Country Thunder Florida</a> would take place in May &quot;on the iconic sugar-white sands of St. Pete Beach&quot; at the TradeWinds Resort, the news release read.Why it matters: Less than a month out, organizers haven&#x27;t secured the local and state permits needed to hold the festival on the beach, raising questions about whether it will happen as advertised — or at all.

Inside ZooTampa's multimillion-dollar expansion

The nonprofit zoo draws more than a million visitors each year.

ZooTampa&#x27;s expansion may receive a $75 million boost from Hillsborough County&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="half-cent sales tax" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/09/19/what-hillsboroughs-half-cent-tax-could-fund" data-vars-content-id="97dfc1d4-5348-4dff-b18f-fd1ac18b782f" data-vars-headline="Inside ZooTampa&#x27;s multimillion-dollar expansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/09/19/what-hillsboroughs-half-cent-tax-could-fund" target="_self">half-cent sales tax</a> — the same pot of money the Rays are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hoping to draw from" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/19/can-hillsboroughs-half-cent-tax-fund-a-new-rays-stadium-heres-what-we-know" data-vars-content-id="97dfc1d4-5348-4dff-b18f-fd1ac18b782f" data-vars-headline="Inside ZooTampa&#x27;s multimillion-dollar expansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/19/can-hillsboroughs-half-cent-tax-fund-a-new-rays-stadium-heres-what-we-know" target="_self">hoping to draw from</a> to finance a new ballpark. Why it matters: The nonprofit zoo is an anchor institution in Hillsborough County and draws more than a million visitors each year, but it can&#x27;t enhance and expand its facilities without outside investment.

Events to bring heavy traffic to downtown Tampa this weekend

Concertgoers, soccer fans and wine enthusiasts are all headed downtown this weekend.

No one who has had the misfortune of driving through downtown Tampa needs a reminder that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="traffic is bad" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/26/report-tampa-drivers-lose-57-hours-per-year-in-rush-hour-traffic" data-vars-content-id="13c565f4-be74-4808-bf0c-bcf97f5a61a1" data-vars-headline="Events to bring heavy traffic to downtown Tampa this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/26/report-tampa-drivers-lose-57-hours-per-year-in-rush-hour-traffic" target="_self">traffic is bad</a>. <ul><li>And yet, it keeps finding ways to get worse. This weekend, expect more than a dozen of them. </li></ul>The big picture: Concertgoers, soccer fans and wine enthusiasts are all headed downtown this weekend. So, plan (or suffer) accordingly.

Rays return to Tropicana Field: What to know

For the first time since 2024, the Rays will play at Tropicana Field.

Sports

For the first time since 2024, the Rays <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="will play at Tropicana Field" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/11/13/tampa-bay-rays-st-petersburg-2026-tickets" data-vars-content-id="1dede3a4-5331-4221-8cd6-b753220c8fc2" data-vars-headline="Rays return to Tropicana Field: What to know" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/11/13/tampa-bay-rays-st-petersburg-2026-tickets" target="_self">will play at Tropicana Field</a> on Monday night. Why it matters: It&#x27;s been a long time coming (one year and six months to be exact), but the team is finally back home in St. Petersburg.

Parking already plagues new Rays stadium, report says

This snag won't surprise anyone who has attended a game or concert in Tampa Bay.

Business

Negotiations for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new Rays stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/19/can-hillsboroughs-half-cent-tax-fund-a-new-rays-stadium-heres-what-we-know" data-vars-content-id="6d43969f-6218-42b6-afff-e7c109286066" data-vars-headline="Parking already plagues new Rays stadium, report says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/19/can-hillsboroughs-half-cent-tax-fund-a-new-rays-stadium-heres-what-we-know" target="_self">new Rays stadium</a> at Hillsborough College have hit a snag that won&#x27;t surprise anyone who has attended a game or concert in Tampa Bay: parking.Why it matters: The Tampa Sports Authority, which relies on the college&#x27;s lots for Buccaneers games, concerts and events, hasn&#x27;t received clarity from the Rays about how a new ballpark would disrupt that arrangement.

A casual fan's guide to the 2026 Rays season

The Rays are coming off two straight losing seasons and 4th-place finishes in the AL East.

As the Rays return to Tropicana Field, fans hope they&#x27;ll also return to form as the small-market team that punches above its weight.Why it matters: When you&#x27;re seeking <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a huge haul of local tax dollars" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/19/can-hillsboroughs-half-cent-tax-fund-a-new-rays-stadium-heres-what-we-know" data-vars-content-id="8518f4e6-bb69-4b0d-807d-e6da7ead5a8e" data-vars-headline="A casual fan&#x27;s guide to the 2026 Rays season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/19/can-hillsboroughs-half-cent-tax-fund-a-new-rays-stadium-heres-what-we-know" target="_self">a huge haul of local tax dollars</a> to build <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a new stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/20/rays-plan-build-stadium-hillsborough-college" data-vars-content-id="8518f4e6-bb69-4b0d-807d-e6da7ead5a8e" data-vars-headline="A casual fan&#x27;s guide to the 2026 Rays season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/20/rays-plan-build-stadium-hillsborough-college" target="_self">a new stadium</a>, it doesn&#x27;t hurt to have the fans fired up.<ul><li>But the Rays are coming off two straight losing seasons and fourth-place finishes in the AL East.</li></ul>

Bucs lose franchise legend Mike Evans to 49ers in free agency

Evans has been a mainstay for Tampa Bay since he was drafted in 2014.

After 12 seasons in pewter and red, Bucs legend Mike Evans is moving on to the San Francisco 49ers, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="multiple" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/adamschefter/status/2031075093103698080?s=42" data-vars-content-id="d73d7eef-e05d-49c7-a5f0-ab2b54c5aa46" data-vars-headline="Bucs lose franchise legend Mike Evans to 49ers in free agency" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/adamschefter/status/2031075093103698080?s=42" target="_blank">multiple</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reports" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/RapSheet/status/2031075124846162381" data-vars-content-id="d73d7eef-e05d-49c7-a5f0-ab2b54c5aa46" data-vars-headline="Bucs lose franchise legend Mike Evans to 49ers in free agency" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/RapSheet/status/2031075124846162381" target="_blank">reports</a>.Why it matters: Evans has been a mainstay for Tampa Bay since he was drafted in 2014 — a two-time All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowler who helped the Bucs win <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="their last championship" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2021/02/08/tampa-bay-buccaneers-beat-chiefs-win-super-bowl-lv" data-vars-content-id="d73d7eef-e05d-49c7-a5f0-ab2b54c5aa46" data-vars-headline="Bucs lose franchise legend Mike Evans to 49ers in free agency" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2021/02/08/tampa-bay-buccaneers-beat-chiefs-win-super-bowl-lv" target="_self">their last championship</a>.

Meet Tampa's lone Paralympian in Milan Cortina

Declan Farmer is one of the 72 competitors representing the U.S. at the Winter Paralympic Games in Milan.

Tampa&#x27;s own Declan Farmer is one of the 72 competitors representing the United States at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Winter Paralympic Games" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/04/team-usa-paralympians-to-watch-milan-2026" data-vars-content-id="2934ea83-607c-4acf-95da-2e10e2bd5fac" data-vars-headline="Meet Tampa&#x27;s lone Paralympian in Milan Cortina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/04/team-usa-paralympians-to-watch-milan-2026" target="_self">Winter Paralympic Games</a> in Milan. Why it matters: He is a decorated sled hockey player and is the only Paralympian from Tampa Bay this year.

Rays 2026 promo games: Trop nostalgia, Flappy Boi

The Rays have blessed fans with some fun giveaways.

A light-up <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tropicana Field" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/03/st-petersburg-gas-plant-proposals" data-vars-content-id="93124dd8-6a8d-42bc-ae9a-bf45d8ad961c" data-vars-headline="Rays 2026 promo games: Trop nostalgia, Flappy Boi" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/03/st-petersburg-gas-plant-proposals" target="_self">Tropicana Field</a> replica? A Devil Rays windbreaker? A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Flappy Boi" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/RaysTheRoofTB/status/2021041429892452781?s=20" data-vars-content-id="93124dd8-6a8d-42bc-ae9a-bf45d8ad961c" data-vars-headline="Rays 2026 promo games: Trop nostalgia, Flappy Boi" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/RaysTheRoofTB/status/2021041429892452781?s=20" target="_blank">Flappy Boi</a> bobblehead?!?!<ul><li>The Rays have blessed fans with some fun giveaways for this year&#x27;s promotional games as they make their triumphant <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="return to St. Pete" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/11/13/tampa-bay-rays-st-petersburg-2026-tickets" data-vars-content-id="93124dd8-6a8d-42bc-ae9a-bf45d8ad961c" data-vars-headline="Rays 2026 promo games: Trop nostalgia, Flappy Boi" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/11/13/tampa-bay-rays-st-petersburg-2026-tickets" target="_self">return to St. Pete</a>.</li></ul>

Tom Brady, Florida Man, was born five years ago today

As Seattle prepares to celebrate the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Seahawks&#x27; Super Bowl win" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/02/09/seattle-seahawks-super-bowl-street-celebration-pioneer-square" data-vars-content-id="676314af-dd4e-4fea-9204-7b829bacfff7" data-vars-headline="Tom Brady, Florida Man, was born five years ago today" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/02/09/seattle-seahawks-super-bowl-street-celebration-pioneer-square" target="_self">Seahawks&#x27; Super Bowl win</a>, it&#x27;s worth remembering what was solidified five years ago today.<ul><li>Tampa Bay is the GOAT of Super Bowl victory parties, thanks in part to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="GOAT himself" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DUcGDwTgBYQ/" data-vars-content-id="676314af-dd4e-4fea-9204-7b829bacfff7" data-vars-headline="Tom Brady, Florida Man, was born five years ago today" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DUcGDwTgBYQ/" target="_blank">GOAT himself</a>.</li></ul>

Poll: Axios readers support Hillsborough College as next Rays stadium site

Two-thirds say Hillsborough College is a good choice for the Rays' new stadium.

Culture

We asked, and you answered: Two-thirds of those who <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="responded to our poll" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/20/hillsborough-college-new-rays-baseball-stadium" data-vars-content-id="4ff2766d-1ef5-4242-a9d3-d6df103ecf93" data-vars-headline="Poll: Axios readers support Hillsborough College as next Rays stadium site" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/20/hillsborough-college-new-rays-baseball-stadium" target="_self">responded to our poll</a> say Hillsborough College is a good choice for the Tampa Bay Rays&#x27; new stadium.Why it matters: With tax dollars potentially on the line, where the Rays play next is more than a baseball decision.

Scoop: Hillsborough College asks state for $50M ahead of Rays stadium revamp

The request sheds light into how tax dollars could support the proposed ballpark project.

Hillsborough College requested $50 million from the state as it prepares to make room for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a new stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/20/rays-plan-build-stadium-hillsborough-college" data-vars-content-id="5b61354e-1bb6-4c27-a1b1-db95687bb347" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Hillsborough College asks state for $50M ahead of Rays stadium revamp" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/20/rays-plan-build-stadium-hillsborough-college" target="_self">a new stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays</a>, records show.Why it matters: This is the clearest example yet of how state tax dollars could support the Rays&#x27; proposed ballpark and mixed-use district — even as Gov. Ron DeSantis <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="has ruled out" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&amp;v=1526138881791671" data-vars-content-id="5b61354e-1bb6-4c27-a1b1-db95687bb347" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Hillsborough College asks state for $50M ahead of Rays stadium revamp" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&amp;v=1526138881791671" target="_blank">has ruled out</a> directly funding the project.

Poll: Is Hillsborough College the right place for the new Rays stadium?

It&#x27;s official: The Rays <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="want to build a new stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/15/rays-hillsborough-college-stadium-vote" data-vars-content-id="0f23e6a0-b004-4701-ae73-9f0516cabaad" data-vars-headline="Poll: Is Hillsborough College the right place for the new Rays stadium?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/15/rays-hillsborough-college-stadium-vote" target="_self">want to build a new stadium</a> at Hillsborough College, and the school&#x27;s trustees <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="are (preliminarily) on board" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/20/rays-plan-build-stadium-hillsborough-college" data-vars-content-id="0f23e6a0-b004-4701-ae73-9f0516cabaad" data-vars-headline="Poll: Is Hillsborough College the right place for the new Rays stadium?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/20/rays-plan-build-stadium-hillsborough-college" target="_self">are (preliminarily) on board</a>.

Sports 🏅

Rays return to Tropicana Field: What to know

Parking already plagues new Rays stadium, report says

A casual fan's guide to the 2026 Rays season

Bucs lose franchise legend Mike Evans to 49ers in free agency

Meet Tampa's lone Paralympian in Milan Cortina