A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on a new ballpark proposal has been reached between the Tampa Bay Rays and representatives from Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa.
Below is a statement from Tampa Bay Rays Chief Executive Officer Ken Babby:
“The Tampa Bay Rays are delighted to announce that we have reached a Memorandum of Understanding on a new ballpark proposal, working alongside staff at Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa. We are extremely grateful for the commitment and spirit of partnership demonstrated by all parties throughout this important process and occasion for our community.
“The Rays respectfully but resolutely encourage Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa to approve the MOU and make possible a Forever Home for our community’s Tampa Bay Rays, breathe new life into the Dale Mabry Campus of Hillsborough College, and create a new privately financed neighborhood that will be an inviting and inclusive destination to work, live, learn, and play.
“Paramount for the Tampa Bay Rays in this process was to arrive at an MOU that protects all public funding currently allocated for police, fire, emergency management or response functions, or other previously committed public safety or service priorities. We have accomplished that important and unconditional goal.
“This is a rare and perhaps unprecedented moment for Tampa Bay. The Tampa Bay Rays are all in on this opportunity and look forward to working with officials in the days ahead to bring this project to life.”