The Daily Dig
The Tampa Bay Rays have released renderings for a proposed $2.3 billion stadium set to anchor a major mixed-use development in Tampa's Westshore District. The project covers roughly 130 acres on and around Hillsborough College's Dale Mabry campus, directly across from Raymond James Stadium and next to Steinbrenner Field.
The ballpark is planned for 31,000 seats and would serve as the centerpiece of a walkable district built around retail, parks, open space, and entertainment venues. San Francisco-based Gensler is handling the master plan for the broader development, with Populous taking on stadium design.
The Rays have committed to funding at least half of the stadium cost, with Hillsborough County and the city of Tampa expected to cover the balance. This past January, the Hillsborough College District Board of Trustees approved a non-binding memorandum of understanding with the Rays, opening a 180-day window to negotiate final terms covering the stadium, the surrounding mixed-use district, and new or renovated campus facilities.
Project Snapshot:
Project / Development: Tampa Bay Rays Stadium & Mixed-Use District
Location: Westshore District, Tampa, Florida - Hillsborough College's Dale Mabry campus
Site Size: 130 acres
Ballpark Capacity: 31,000 seats
Estimated Stadium Cost: $2.3 billion (not yet a firm number)
Architects: Gensler (master plan), Populous (stadium design)
Public Funding Structure: Rays funding at least 50%; remainder expected from Tampa and Hillsborough County
Potential Construction Jobs: 39,000+ across the mixed-use development (RCLCO estimate)
Land Transfer: 22 acres conveyed by the State of Florida to Hillsborough College - approved by Gov. DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet on February 24, 2026
Development Requirement: Construction must begin within five years or the state can reclaim the land
Projected Activity: 10 million annual visitors and 175+ events per year (Rays estimate)
Campus Changes: Existing Hillsborough College academic buildings demolished and rebuilt on a southwest parcel fronting North Lois Avenue
Additional Funding: Florida Senate has proposed $50 million to fund replacement campus facilities; not included in the House budget
Nearby Landmarks: Raymond James Stadium, Steinbrenner Field
Target Timeline: Rays' home opener targeted for the 2029 MLB season
Status: Concept renderings released; negotiations underway following approved MOU
TheJobWalk Thoughts
The stadium gets the headlines, but the surrounding district is where the real construction volume lives. The full scope runs well past the ballpark: demo of active campus buildings, a phased campus relocation, site infrastructure, structured parking, retail shell work, and vertical mixed-use development tied to a hard five-year state deadline on construction start. When county and city funding commitments land, site, demo, and infrastructure packages will move faster than most people expect. For GCs, subs, and suppliers, that funding close is the trigger worth watching.
Image Credit: Tampa Bay Rays
