Rays Drop New Rendering Photos of Future MLB Stadium in Tampa Bay After Hurricane Damaged Old Park

The Tampa Bay Rays provided fans with a sneak peak of what their new ballpark will look like in the future.

Tampa Bay released initial renderings of the proposed park on Thursday, as well as plans for "a vibrant destination neighborhood that blends baseball, education and culture into a walkable district that brings people together well beyond game days."

Tampa Bay announced the ballpark has an estimated capacity of 31,000, which was described as "the most intimate in Major League Baseball."

In November, the Rays revealed repairs on the roof of Tropicana Field after Hurricane Milton caused significant damage were complete:

Following damage from the hurricane, the team had to play its home games at George M. Steinbrenner Field, which is the spring training complex for the New York Yankees, during the 2025 campaign.

Yet it will be back at Tropicana Field in 2026.

The new stadium will be located in Tampa's Westshore District and Hillsborough College's Dale Mabry campus.

"I'm incredibly grateful for what our organization and the Tampa community have accomplished in just over 100 days since acquiring the team, and of the progress we are making together toward a Forever Home for the Rays and our loyal fans," Rays managing partner Patrick Zalupski said, per Adam Berry of MLB.com.

"Hillsborough County's unanimous vote is a significant milestone and a clear signal that Tampa is serious about keeping Major League Baseball in this region and transforming Tampa Bay for generations to come."

Berry noted the Hillsborough College Board of Trustees approved a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Rays last month in an effort to redevelop the campus area to accommodate the new ballpark district.

Berry also reported that the plan is for the Rays, the county and the city of Tampa to share the cost of the ballpark with the team assuming 100 percent of the costs for the mixed-use development, ballpark repairs and maintenance.

The Rays will begin the 2026 campaign on the road against the St. Louis Cardinals on March 26, while their home opener back at Tropicana Field will come against the Chicago Cubs on April 6.