​The Tampa Bay Rays have released the initial visuals of their upcoming stadium, a project budgeted at $2.3 billion and packed with distinctive features. The new ballpark is planned for the Hillsborough College Dale Mabry campus, directly across from Raymond James Stadium. While a few final details remain to be finalized, Rays CEO Ken Babby has been discussing an array of exciting plans for the franchise’s future. Five concept images of the stadium were circulated online, with the standout element being a fixed roof designed to preserve the feel of an outdoor baseball game. The venue is slated to house 30,000 seats, with the flexibility to expand to accommodate concerts and other major events.
In addition to the roof, the design includes two large video scoreboards, and Babby emphasized the goal of creating an atmosphere that makes fans feel more connected to the experience than ever before. He shared his enthusiasm, saying, “What excites me the most is how intimate this ballpark will be. Seats behind the plate will place fans closer to the catcher than the catcher is to the pitcher.”
The concept of installing a roof that could be truly one-of-a-kind would mark a milestone for the Rays, especially given the team’s recent history of playing away from Tropicana Field while planning for a new home. The Rays were forced to relocate for the 2025 season after damage to the Tropicana Field roof, which had sustained damage from Hurricane Milton in 2024. The storm led to substantial repairs and a temporary move to the New York Yankees’ training facility for the year. Nearly $60 million was invested to repair the existing roof and allow the stadium to reopen, but the proposed new project envisions an entirely new, innovative structure that would redefine the team’s home atmosphere.
If the project proceeds as planned, the Rays’ forthcoming stadium will offer a blend of modern technology and intimate design, with a fixed roof that still preserves the essence of an open-air baseball experience. The venue’s state-of-the-art features, combined with enhanced sightlines and fan engagement opportunities, are aimed at delivering a unique stadium experience in the heart of Tampa Bay. As the team moves through the planning process, supporters are hopeful that this ambitious project will come to fruition, delivering a landmark home for Rays baseball in a location that’s poised to serve as a central hub for sports and entertainment in the region.