Tampa Bay, Hillsborough College Sign MOU for New Stadium
The Tampa Bay Rays have secured a non-binding agreement with Hillsborough College that could pave the way for a new stadium in Tampa and, eventually, generate a $34 billion economic impact.
According to the memorandum of understanding (MOU) unanimously approved Tuesday afternoon by the Hillsborough College District Board of Trustees, the Rays would redevelop the 113-acre Dale Mabry site with new academic facilities, a ballpark with adjacent amenities and a sprawling mixed-use community.
Trustees approved the MOU with little discussion, despite its potential impacts on the school, students and the surrounding area. Rays CEO Ken Babby said the team hired global design and planning firm Gensler to help envision the campus project, dubbed “Innovation Edge, featuring Hillsborough College,” as part of the broader master plan.
Plymouth, Minn., Considers $135M Investment in Athletics Facilities
The city of Plymouth is considering making substantial investments into athletic complexes that could create regional assets while also addressing community needs.
The total investment could approach $135 million — and Plymouth voters could potentially see the proposal on their ballots in November.
Plymouth is mulling three proposed projects: 1) building a $55 million fieldhouse with year-round access to replace the existing three-season dome facility, 2) constructing a fourth sheet of ice and making renovations at the Plymouth Ice Center for another $55 million, and 3) building an artificial turf soccer complex at the site of the former Four Seasons Mall at a cost of up to $25 million.
Officials stress that the costs are high-level estimates identified from preliminary designs.
Macon Set to Break Ground on New Sports and Events Venue
Macon is set to break ground this summer on a new sports and events arena off Interstate 16 near the Coliseum on the east side of the Ocmulgee River.
Construction is expected to start in July and be completed by May 2028, Mayor Lester Miller has said. Despite approval by commissioners months ago, the county said in early January the contracts had not yet been executed. A final cost for the arena has yet to be determined.
“There will be an estimated figure once the design is closer to complete and the pre-construction work has been done to match the designs,” Macon-Bibb County spokesperson Chris Floore said. “Those two steps will give us an idea of the cost we can begin to expect.”
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