Rays Reveal Renderings of New Tampa Ballpark, Mixed-Use Development | Engineering News-Record
Summary
The Tampa Bay Rays unveil plans for a new 31,000-seat ballpark and mixed-use development, set to open by 2029. The project aims to enhance community engagement and includes diverse seating and event spaces, alongside a neighborhood with various commercial facilities.
Why It Matters
This development represents a significant investment in Tampa's infrastructure and community, potentially revitalizing the area and providing economic benefits through job creation and increased tourism. The collaboration with Hillsborough College also highlights a commitment to minimizing disruption to educational activities.
Key Takeaways
- The new ballpark will be the smallest permanent MLB stadium, emphasizing a unique fan experience.
- The project includes a mixed-use development with hotels, retail, and residential spaces, promoting community integration.
- Construction costs will be shared between the Rays, Hillsborough County, and the City of Tampa, with the team covering overruns and maintenance.
- The design team includes notable firms like Populous and Gensler, ensuring a high-quality architectural vision.
- The project aims to minimize disruption to Hillsborough College's operations during construction.
NewsProjectsBusinessTexas & SoutheastTexas & Southeast Construction NewsDesignBuildingsProject delivery Rays Reveal Renderings of New Tampa Ballpark, Mixed-Use Development By Jim Parsons Image courtesy Tampa Bay Rays Plans call for a 31,000-seat ballpark—smaller than any existing permanent Major League Baseball stadium—to be open in time for the 2029 season and offer diverse seating, celebration areas and year-round event spaces. February 11, 2026 The Tampa Bay Rays have released the first set of conceptual drawings for their proposed $2.3-billion ballpark and mixed-use project to be located on a 113-acre site leased from Hillsborough College in Tampa.Plans call for a 31,000-seat ballpark—smaller than any existing permanent Major League Baseball stadium—to be open in time for the 2029 season and offer diverse seating, celebration areas and year-round event spaces. An adjacent “Champions Quarter” neighborhood could potentially include “hotels, retail space, multifamily buildings, sports and health related buildings, commercial buildings, parking structures, restaurants and other related buildings,” according to the team’s January 2026 non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the college.No contractor has been named for the project, which the Rays say is being designed by a Populous-led team that also includes Gensler, Kimley-Horn, RCLCO, Beck, Walter P Moore, Terracon and ME Engineers. Mortenson had been tapped for a previous plan to build a $1.3-billion ballpark ...
