Florida Governor Supports New Tampa Bay Rays Stadium at Hillsborough College

State Support for New Rays Stadium

• ⚡ Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the state will support the proposal for a new Tampa Bay Rays stadium at the Hillsborough College campus.
• 🤝 The announcement was made at a press conference attended by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and local leaders, expressing excitement for the project.

Stadium Development and Land Use

• 🏟️ Plans for the 113-acre site include a new stadium, restaurants, retail, and housing, alongside a reimagined college campus.
• 🔑 The state owns the land and will convey it to Hillsborough College, enabling them to negotiate a mutually beneficial use agreement with the Rays.
• 🗓️ Hillsborough College's board of trustees has already voted to consider the project, with active negotiations potentially starting in the coming weeks.

Funding and Infrastructure

• 💰 The Rays would be required to fund at least half of the stadium's cost, with potential support from tourism tax dollars (specifically the sixth cent).
• 🏗️ State funds will not be used for the stadium itself but may support infrastructure improvements and deferred maintenance at the college.
• 🚗 Infrastructure support from FDOT is expected to help minimize traffic concerns, with professional traffic management plans in place.
• 🏙️ City taxpayer dollars will not fund the stadium, but the city may contribute to infrastructure and explore non-taxpayer revenue options.

Future of the Rays in Tampa Bay

• ⚠️ MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred acknowledged the need for a resolution for the club, stating that something needs to get done.
• 🔮 While Florida has other alternatives, Manfred expressed hesitation to characterize the current situation as a 'this or never again' scenario.
• 🖼️ Renderings for the reimagined campus and stadium development are expected in the coming days.