The Tampa Bay Rays unveiled five interior renderings of their proposed ballpark in Tampa, giving fans a first look at the club’s planned long-term home. Chief executive officer Ken Babby presented the images during the fifth inning of a Rays.TV broadcast. The proposed venue is being described as the Rays’ future “Forever Home.”
The ballpark’s primary plaza entrance would be located in center field. The gateway area would include a larger, deeper aquarium for rays, designed as the successor to the ray tank at Tropicana Field. The feature would give the team’s ray-focused identity a prominent place in the proposed venue.
A fixed-roof ballpark built around proximity
The general seating bowl would bring fans close to the field throughout the ballpark. Babby said fans behind home plate would be “closer to the catcher than the catcher is to the pitcher.” The design reflects the club’s stated goal of preserving an intimate connection between fans and the game.
The proposed ballpark would have a fixed roof while offering a clear view of the sky above and the surrounding development. The Rays said dynamic lighting systems would enhance night games, while the design prioritizes playability and the natural outdoor experience. Babby said the team is most excited about “bringing that outdoor vision into the building every day,” combining the feeling of outdoor baseball with the comfort of a dome.
The plan includes approximately 30,000 fixed seats, with the ability to expand for special events. The proposed venue would also include club spaces, including some near both bullpens. A bar overlooking center field would sit above a retractable batter’s eye, which Babby said would be the first of its kind.
Design details remain under review
Two video scoreboards would be positioned above the stands in left and right field. The Rays said some interior elements remain under review, including the outfield dimensions and other game- and player-related details. The ballpark’s design will continue to evolve as the organization works toward definitive agreements with elected officials and city and county staff.
Populous was selected as the design lead for the proposed ballpark last year. The venue 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 project would also include a reimagined Hillsborough College campus.
Funding agreement remains unresolved
The Tampa Bay Rays have not reached a funding agreement with the City of Tampa and Hillsborough County to build the ballpark. In May, the city and county approved a non-binding memorandum of understanding outlining the framework of a potential deal and agreed to continue negotiations with the Rays. “The process continues to move forward,” Babby said.
The proposed opening timeline is tied to the team’s existing use agreement at Tropicana Field, which is set to expire after the 2028 season. The Rays have set Opening Day in 2029 as their target for opening the proposed ballpark. Until funding and other agreements are finalized, the design remains an evolving proposal.
FSB Take
The renderings show the Tampa Bay Rays pursuing a fixed-roof ballpark that places fans near the field while maintaining an outdoor feel. The center-field aquarium, retractable batter’s eye and approximately 30,000 fixed seats are among the key elements revealed. The design also preserves the ray tank concept associated with Tropicana Field.
The larger issue is whether the proposed ballpark can move from renderings to an approved project. Funding negotiations with the City of Tampa and Hillsborough County remain unresolved, while the Rays continue to target Opening Day in 2029 after their Tropicana Field agreement expires.
Source: Original report