ST. PETERSBURG -- The Rays released five renderings of the interior of their proposed ballpark in Tampa on Wednesday night, giving fans a first glimpse inside the club’s “Forever Home.”
Rays chief executive officer Ken Babby unveiled the images during the fifth inning of the Rays.TV broadcast of Tampa Bay’s game against the Yankees at Tropicana Field, highlighting several aspects of the design.
“Ballpark design is always in motion, but we felt it was time to pause and share with our fans where we are today and anticipate going in the future,” Babby said in a statement. “What we are unveiling today is a response to what Rays fans have told us they want -- a comfortable and inviting ballpark that honors the intimate connection between fans and the game, while at the same time incorporating modern amenities and design innovations that they expect and deserve.
“We’re listening and working hard to deliver on what we feel will be the best ballpark experience in the game, bar none.”
One highlight of the interior renderings? The successor to, and next evolution of, the Trop’s popular ray tank.
The ballpark’s primary plaza entrance will be in center field, and one of the features of the gateway area will be a larger, deeper aquarium feature for the rays to call home.
The renderings also show a general seating bowl that brings fans close to the field in every part of the ballpark, underneath a fixed roof that offers a clear view of the sky above and the development around the stadium. According to the club, dynamic lighting systems will enhance night games, and the master design “prioritizes playability and the natural outdoor experience.”
The capacity includes approximately 30,000 fixed seats but can expand for special events, giving them flexibility for concerts, conventions and other large gatherings. The space also features a variety of club spaces, including some by both bullpens, and a bar overlooking center field located above a retractable batter’s eye.
The Rays say the two video scoreboards, located above the stands in left and right field, will “rank among the largest and most technologically advanced in Major League Baseball.”
The club previously released renderings of the ballpark and surrounding development, including a reimagined Hillsborough College campus, in February. There are some aspects of the interior design that are still under review, including the field’s outfield dimensions and other game/player-related elements.
Populous, a globally renowned firm in the sports venue design industry that’s led the design for 29 new and renovated parks in Major League Baseball, was selected last year as the design lead for the Rays’ proposed ballpark.
The Rays have not yet reached a funding agreement with the City of Tampa and Hillsborough County to build the ballpark, which would be part of a mixed-use development on the current site of Hillsborough College’s campus across Dale Mabry Highway from Raymond James Stadium.
The Rays said that design elements of the ballpark “will continue to evolve” as they work with elected officials as well as city and county staff to reach a final funding agreement.
With the team’s use agreement at Tropicana Field set to expire after the 2028 season, the Rays have set Opening Day in 2029 as their target to open the new, long-term home they’ve been pursuing for two decades.
In May, the city and county agreed to move forward in their negotiations with the Rays by approving a non-binding memorandum of understanding, which outlined the framework of a potential deal.
Fans can learn more about the project at NewBallpark.RaysBaseball.com.