The Tampa Bay Rays’ proposed stadium deal in Tampa is facing potential competition from other cities. Gov. Ron DeSantis has cautioned that if the local deal in Hillsborough County collapses, other cities are waiting to make a bid for the franchise.
Orlando’s Interest in the Rays
DeSantis said he believes Major League Baseball wants the Rays to remain in Florida. However, he acknowledged that other markets, both within and outside of Florida, could be interested if a deal isn’t reached in Hillsborough County.
“I know Orlando wants it,” DeSantis said. He added, “They would plow a lot of money into this. There’s no question Orange County would, and Charlotte would too, Nashville would. I mean, there’s a lot of places around the country who would like to have an MLB franchise.”
State Funding for the Stadium
DeSantis has expressed support for the Tampa site. He has stopped short of committing state funds directly to the ballpark itself.
He drew a line between direct stadium funding and state support for transportation improvements or the college campus. “We’re not doing, at the state level, money for a stadium,” DeSantis said.
He said the state has traditionally supported transportation work around major projects. The state would have a clear interest in helping reimagine the Hillsborough College Dale Mabry campus.
Legislative Concerns
Senate Appropriations Chair Ed Hooper has suggested caution regarding state money for Hillsborough College and other infrastructure related to the project. This comes as Tampa, Hillsborough County, and the Rays continue negotiations.
Hooper noted there appeared to be “heartburn” at the local level. He suggested the state should wait until those issues are resolved before getting involved.
The Senate backed a $50 million request made by Hillsborough College earlier this year. However, the House did not include the money in its budget plan.
Media reports have indicated the request could reach as high as $150 million.
Public-Private Partnerships
DeSantis said that most baseball stadiums around the country have been public-private partnerships. “I think the only one that hasn’t been a public-private partnership is Oracle in San Francisco. I think every other stadium just has been, and so that’s just kind of the playing field that you’re on.”
DeSantis said the decision of whether local government should be involved is up to them to decide. He maintained that the state should focus on infrastructure and forms of support that have other public use rather than direct ballpark funding.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has already prepared plans for traffic management if the project proceeds.