Rays Announce Additional Public Community Engagement and Listening Sessions
TAMPA, Fla.—The Tampa Bay Rays today announced two additional public community engagement and listening sessions as part of their ongoing outreach surrounding the vision for a new ballpark and mixed-use district in Hillsborough County.
These sessions build on the strong turnout and thoughtful feedback received during the first three public meetings held earlier this month at Hillsborough College, Jefferson High School, and The Skills Center.
Additional Community Engagement and Listening Sessions on New Ballpark and District:
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
6:30-8:00 p.m.
Press Box Sports
222 S. Dale Mabry Highway
Tampa, FL 33609
Join Rays Chief Executive Officer Ken Babby for a beer on the eve of Major League Baseball’s Opening Day to celebrate the return of baseball and take part in a relaxed, informal conversation about the vision for the new ballpark and district. This casual setting offers an opportunity to learn more about the project, ask questions, and share feedback directly with Rays leadership.
Thursday, April 2, 2026
6:30-8:00 p.m.
Robinson High School Auditorium
6311 S. Lois Ave.
Tampa, FL 33616
Rays Chief Executive Officer Ken Babby, along with key project partners, will provide an overview presentation of the vision for the new ballpark and district, followed by a Q&A and discussion. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the plans and share input to help inform the project as it continues to evolve.
Rays leadership will attend both sessions to provide updates, answer questions, and gather input from the community.
“The conversations we’ve had across Hillsborough County have been incredibly productive and insightful, and they continue to reinforce the strength of this community,” said Tampa Bay Rays Chief Executive Officer Ken Babby. “Each session gives us a better understanding of how we can create a Forever Home that is rooted in collaboration and partnership with our community. As we move forward, our focus remains on building something that reflects those priorities and creates a lasting impact for Tampa Bay.”
“We’ve been encouraged by the level of engagement and thoughtful input from the community so far, and we’re excited to keep those conversations going,” said Hillsborough College President Dr. Ken Atwater. “As this vision continues to take shape, we see tremendous opportunity to expand workforce training, create meaningful internship pathways, and better connect our students to careers right here in Tampa Bay. That kind of real-world access and experience is invaluable, and this partnership has the potential to open new doors for our students in ways that extend well beyond the classroom.”
Over the past several weeks, the Rays have also been meeting with a variety of stakeholder groups across the community, including first responders, members of the business community, civic leaders, and other key partners, as part of a broader effort to ensure thoughtful and collaborative planning from the outset.
These public sessions give baseball fans, nearby residents, and community and business leaders an opportunity to review evolving concepts, ask questions, and share feedback that will help shape the final design.
The proposed project includes a partnership with Hillsborough College to redevelop the Dale Mabry campus as part of a vibrant mixed-use district anchored by a new home for the Tampa Bay Rays. The plan is designed to improve campus facilities, expand workforce development, and create curriculum and internship opportunities for more than 45,000 students, reinforcing the site as a key driver of regional growth.
The project is envisioned as a public–private partnership, with ballpark costs shared between the team, Hillsborough County, and the City of Tampa. The broader, multi-billion-dollar mixed-use development will be 100 percent privately financed.
A recent independent economic analysis projects that the mixed-use development will generate $34 billion in direct economic impact, support 12,000 new permanent jobs, and attract approximately 10 million annual visitors to the campus and surrounding district once fully built out.
The Rays and Hillsborough College are consulting closely with a broad coalition of project partners and stakeholders, including Hillsborough County, the City of Tampa, Hillsborough County Public Schools, and design, engineering, development, and finance partners.
Rays fans and community members can learn more about the project and make a $19.98 deposit to secure early access to seating in the new ballpark by visiting NewBallpark.RaysBaseball.com.