MLB franchise unveil stunning eight million square foot mixed-use project at new $2.3bn ballpark
The Tampa Bay Rays have provided further detail into what will surround their ‘forever home’.
The MLB franchise’s move from the recently-renovated Tropicana Field, to a re-imagined Hillsborough College campus 20 miles away, was announced in January.
The Rays released the first renderings of the interior of the stadium, which showed several buildings outside.
The mixed-use nature of the development was always known, but details on what would surround their stadium remained vague – until now.
The area will span over more than eight million square feet – comprised into four districts with Global architecture firm Gensler leading proceedings.
The districts are named Champions Quarter, where the domed-venue will reside, Innovation Edge, The Canopy and The Row.
It will contain premium office space, ground floor retail, live entertainment and dining.
Additionally, it will hold modern residential offerings, public spaces and space for a convention arena and additional hotel – while also improving Hillsborough College’s campus.
“We have said from the start that this project is about much more than baseball and a new ballpark,” Rays CEO Ken Babby said in a statement.
“The proposed privately financed district that will be made possible by a new ballpark is attracting interest and gaining significant momentum.
“It has sparked an appetite among Fortune 500 companies from beyond Tampa Bay who want to be part of a game-changing vision.
“We’ve also had meaningful conversations with businesses based here who want to learn more and be among the first to call the district their home.
“Of course, we have more ground to cover, and we are making great progress. But, what we’ve envisioned – a vibrant, walkable neighbourhood where people work, live, learn, and play – is at our doorstep.
“The interest from major businesses to be part of Tampa Bay history is real and growing.
“A new neighbourhood that will be a year round community asset, driving economic growth and opportunity for decades to come, can be ours.”
The entire mixed-use development is set to be privately financed, but questions still remain over the cost of the stadium itself.
The team has committed to paying $1.235billion towards the venue, including overruns, requesting $1.065bn in public funding.
In the non-binding Memorandum of Understanding, which was signed in May, public contribution was capped at $976million, with the Rays currently slated to cover $1.27bn.
Tampa’s City Council delayed their next scheduled vote on the stadium that was slated to take place during their August 20 meeting.
“We continue to work closely with our partners on the City Council and city staff as we prepare for the ultimate path forward in August with our county and city partners,” Babby added.
Pressure is mounting for the City and the franchise to agree financial parameters so that construction can begin.
The Rays’ current lease at Tropicana Field, expires in 2028 and there is a stated goal of having a new ballpark in place in time for the 2029 MLB season.
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