Full Breakdown
Hillsborough County Commissioners Approve Non-Binding MOU for Tampa Bay Rays Stadium
5/21/2026, 3:38:58 AM
Key Vote Approves Stadium Framework
On May 20, 2026, the Hillsborough County Commission voted 5-2 to adopt a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) that outlines a public-funded component of a proposed $2.3 billion domed ballpark on the Dale Mabry campus of Hillsborough College. The vote follows a simultaneous approval by the Hillsborough College Board of Trustees to lease 113 acres to the Rays for 99 years. The MOU does not finalize a contract but authorizes staff to continue negotiations with the Tampa Bay Rays, the City of Tampa, and other partners.
Background & Context
The Rays have sought a new home since the late 1990s, when Tropicana Field was deemed inadequate. A prior St. Petersburg development fell through, and a 2024 roof failure at Tropicana Field forced temporary relocation to Steinbrenner Field. Owner Patrick Zalupski, who purchased the club in 2025, revived the stadium push with a mixed-use district plan that includes retail, hotels, and office space.
Key Figures & Groups
- Tampa Bay Rays – Owner Patrick Zalupski; CEO Ken Babby.
- Hillsborough County Commission – Chair Ken Hagan; Commissioners Joshua Wostal, Donna Cameron Cepeda, Harry Cohen, Christine Miller.
- Tampa City Council – Chair Alan Clendenin.
- Hillsborough College Board of Trustees – Chair Clay Hollis.
- State officials – Governor Ron DeSantis; Senate Budget Chair Ed Hooper.
- Community voices – Residents Carmen Edmonds, Karen Jaroch, Laura Lawson; Westshore Alliance director Michael Maurino.
Data & Statistics
- Total project cost: $2.3 billion.
- Public contribution cap: $976 million (County $796 M, City $80 M, CRA $100 M).
- County funding breakdown: $360 M from Community Investment Tax (CIT) over four years, $260 M from tourist-tax bonds, $103 M other county sources, $30 M federal disaster recovery, $40 M tourist-tax reserve.
- Rays’ private share: $1.27 billion plus any cost overruns.
- Lease terms: 99-year ground lease; annual base rent $10; Rays assume property expenses and liability.
Why It Matters / Impact
Proponents argue the stadium will anchor a 130-acre mixed-use district, generate jobs, and secure the Rays’ presence through at least 2035. Critics warn that diverting CIT revenue could delay transportation, storm-water, and public-safety projects and that the public return on investment is uncertain.
Official Statements & Responses
- Ken Hagan called the MOU a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity for the county.
- Harry Cohen described the project as “transformative” if the community embraces it.
- Alan Clendenin framed the deal as a win for Tampa after previous relocation threats.
- Governor DeSantis expressed support for the site but declined direct stadium funding, offering possible infrastructure assistance.
- Ken Babby thanked the commission and emphasized the stadium’s potential to benefit students, fans, and the broader region.
Criticism & Opposition
Commissioner Joshua Wostal labeled the MOU a “monumental betrayal” of taxpayers, citing lack of financial disclosures. Donna Cameron Cepeda called the use of public money “really outrageous.” Community members such as Carmen Edmonds and Karen Jaroch argued that CIT funds should prioritize essential services and that private developers should receive an equity stake rather than a subsidy.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the Rays’ total private commitment (reported as $1.27 billion, $1.5 billion, and “at least as much as the public contribution”). The exact allocation of the $976 million public share varies slightly across reports ($796 M vs. $796 M plus $180 M). No final contract exists, and unresolved issues include revenue-sharing mechanisms, back-stop guarantees for CIT payments, and guarantees on private-development valuation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When in reality we don't have any of the material documents that we need to be making an informed decision about the use of these taxes," Wostal explained.” — Joshua Wostal, Hillsborough County Commissioner
- “Today is a monumental day. A monumental betrayal to the taxpayers of Hillsborough County.” — Joshua Wostal, Hillsborough County Commissioner
- “The biggest change since the last point we met with you is we’ve agreed with the Rays on a 4-year payment schedule for the Community Investment Tax, so there’s no bonding,” — Tom Fesler, County Chief Financial Administrator
- “The Rays believe deeply in the power of a new ballpark, a reinvented Hillsborough College, and a privately financed mixed-use neighborhood that will positively shape our region well into the future,” — Ken Babby, Rays CEO
What’s Next
The Tampa City Council will vote on its portion of the MOU on Thursday, followed by a Community Redevelopment Agency meeting on CRA financing. State legislators are reviewing the proposal amid a special session, and some opponents have called for a November ballot referendum on the public-funding component. The stadium is slated for completion in time for the 2029 MLB season, pending final agreements.
