Tampa Bay Rays have dropped the first images of their brand-new stadium that is going to cost $2.3bn, and it is going to contain some pretty special features.
The new ballpark is set to be built on the Hillsborough College Dale Mabry campus, which is directly opposite the Raymond James Stadium.
There are still some final details to iron out, but Rays CEO Ken Babby has been speaking about some exciting plans for the future.
Tampa Bay Rays’ new ballpark to feature fixed-roof stadium
Five images of the new stadium were shared online, with the most eye-catching feature a fixed roof that will still give the feel of an outdoor baseball game.
There will also be 30,000 seats, which will have the capacity to be expanded for concerts and other major events.
Other additions include two large video scoreboards, but Babby has said the plan is to make supporters feel closer than ever before.
He said: “I think the thing that gets me the most excited… is how intimate this ballpark is. Seats behind the plate of this ballpark, you’ll be closer to the catcher than the catcher is to the pitcher.”
Rays were once forced to relocate to New York after roof damage
The plans to install a first-of-its-kind roof if the planning for the stadium goes through will be a full circle moment after they were forced to play away from Tropicana Field for a year.
Damage to the roof from Hurricane Milton in 2024 resulted in the team having to relocate and play at the New York Yankees’ training facility for the 2025 season.
Almost $60m was spent in order to repair the roof to allow the stadium to re-open, but this new version will be like no other.
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