The sale of the Tampa Bay Rays is entering its decisive stage. A group led by Patrick Zalupski is considering building a stadium in Hillsborough County. Among the analyzed locations are HCC and a property in Ybor City.

Stadium at Hillsborough College

Hillsborough County commissioner Ken Hagan confirmed that the Rays’ potential new owners are exploring the possibility of building the venue on part of the HCC campus, directly adjacent to Raymond James Stadium and George M. Steinbrenner Field. The access, proximity to the airport, you have Dale Mabry right there, you can make it a sports hub, Hagan emphasized.

In his view, the site offers convenient logistical conditions: ready-made parking facilities, efficient access routes, and room for additional commercial development. So I think for many reasons that it's a prime location, he added. Tampa mayor Jane Castor shared a similar opinion, calling the HCC plan a real option back in July.

Alternative in Ybor City

The second seriously considered location remains a property in Ybor City owned by developer Darryl Shaw. Hagan had previously called it the leader in the clubhouse, because it provides access to streetcars and reduces the need for constructing additional multi-level parking garages. It’s going to be critically important for there to be enough land in addition to the ballpark for ancillary development. Both of those locations meet that model he explained.

Shaw owns a 45-hectare site in Ybor Harbor, which was originally reserved for the Tampa Bay Sun project. According to local authorities, this area could also accommodate a stadium complex along with supporting infrastructure.

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Competition from Orlando and other sites

Although the new ownership group prioritizes Hillsborough, other scenarios remain on the table. Proposals include WestShore Plaza, the Florida State Fairgrounds, and the former Tampa Greyhound track. The biggest excitement, however, surrounds Orlando, where local investors are seeking either the Rays or an expansion team.

I view Orlando as a serious threat, Hagan admitted. If for any reason we’re unable to get over the finish line, then the team may ultimately be in Orlando. It’s Tampa’s to lose.

Rays sale getting closer

In July, the club announced the start of exclusive negotiations with Patrick Zalupski. Reports suggest the deal will be worth $1.7 billion. Major League Baseball is expected to approve the sale by the end of the season, with stadium talks beginning immediately afterward. The new ownership group wants to hit the ground running Hagan stated.

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred has consistently repeated that the league does not want the Rays to leave Tropicana Field. I think the Tampa Bay region’s a major league market. We’re going to do everything humanly possible to try to find a long-term solution there he said in April.

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