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Tampa City Council approves $2.3 billion deal for new Tampa Bay Rays ballpark

The proposal includes $967 million in public funds and requires final approval from Hillsborough County Commissioners.

The short version

  • The Tampa City Council voted 4-3 to approve a $2.3 billion deal for a new Tampa Bay Rays stadium and entertainment district.
  • The project relies on $967 million in public tax dollars alongside private funding guaranteed by team ownership.
  • Hillsborough County Commissioners are scheduled to vote on the deal on Friday morning, with the team hoping to complete the venue within three years.

Key facts

  • The Tampa City Council approved a $2.3 billion venue plan for the Tampa Bay Rays in a 4-3 vote.[Associated Press]
  • The proposed deal involves $967 million in tax funding combined with private capital from the franchise.[Associated Press]
  • The stadium and entertainment development is planned for the Hillsborough College campus, adjacent to the New York Yankees' spring training facility.[Associated Press]
  • Hillsborough County Commissioners are set to vote on the stadium project on Friday morning.[Associated Press]

What remains uncertain

  • Whether the project will move forward depends on the upcoming vote by Hillsborough County Commissioners.[Associated Press]
  • The team's timeline to complete construction within three years remains a target rather than a certainty.[Associated Press]

Sources