Rays Stadium on Hillsborough College Campus Moves Forward With Non-Binding Deal

Hillsborough College’s board of trustees unanimously approved a non-binding memorandum of understanding with the Tampa Bay Rays to explore building a stadium on the Dale Mabry campus as part of a larger mixed-use redevelopment. The plan grants the Rays a 180-day exclusive window to negotiate a final agreement, with ownership potentially transferring to the county if public funding is involved. The project would add new classrooms and learning spaces, create jobs, and require approvals from the Hillsborough County Commission and the Tampa City Council. A final deal remains uncertain amid funding skepticism and questions about financing and timelines, including a proposed stadium target of 2029.