TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa City Council members voted 4-3 Thursday to approve a key agreement that moves the Tampa Bay Rays closer to securing a new ballpark in the city.
The vote marks a major hurdle cleared for the proposed stadium project, though the plan still faces another decisive legislative hurdle before any construction or relocation is finalized. The Hillsborough County Commission is scheduled to vote on the agreement Friday, August 28, to determine whether the deal will move forward.
Following the Thursday vote, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor praised the council’s decision, framing the ballpark agreement as a driver for local economic growth.
“I want to thank our City Council members who voted today to move this transformational project forward,” Castor said. “They recognized an extraordinary opportunity to secure the Rays’ future in Tampa and advance a development that will create jobs, spur investment, and deliver lasting benefits for our community. The agreement still requires approval from the Hillsborough County Commission, and I want to recognize our County leaders who have worked tirelessly alongside us to get to this point. The opportunity before us is about much more than a ballpark. It’s about jobs, economic development, new investment, and creating a destination that will generate benefits throughout Hillsborough County for decades to come.”
Tampa Bay Rays leadership also welcomed the council’s narrow approval, emphasizing the role of private funding alongside public support to keep Major League Baseball in the market.
“Today’s affirmative vote by the Tampa City Council is incredible news for the entire Tampa Bay community,” said Tampa Bay Rays Chief Executive Officer Ken Babby. “The Tampa Bay Rays are grateful for the leadership and support of the City Council members to approve an investment that, when accompanied by the private funding guaranteed by the Rays, will secure the future of Major League Baseball in Tampa Bay while creating a landmark destination neighborhood that will serve our region for generations. We look forward to tomorrow’s Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners meeting and the opportunity to continue advancing a project that will deliver lasting benefits for the Tampa Bay region.”
County commissioners will take up the ballpark agreement during their Friday session to decide the final outcome of the deal.
READ: Rays Sign Infielder Jorge Mateo, Recall Pitcher Jesse Scholtens In Roster Shuffle
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