Hillsborough Commission Approves Funding for Renovations
The Hillsborough County Commission has approved the use of $18 million in tourist tax revenue to fund upgrades to Steinbrenner Field, the spring training home of the Tampa Bay Rays. This comes after the New York Yankees invested $22 million in renovations to the facility last year, allowing the Rays to play their 2025 season at the Tampa stadium.
Expanded Facilities and Fan Experience
The tourist tax funding will go towards further enhancing the Steinbrenner Field complex, which serves as a shared spring training site for the Rays and Yankees. Planned improvements include expanded concession areas, upgraded seating, and enhanced fan amenities to improve the overall game-day experience for visitors.
The Rays have played at Steinbrenner Field on a temporary basis as the team and Hillsborough County continue negotiations for a new permanent stadium location. This latest investment in the existing facility signals a commitment to maintaining a strong baseball presence in the Tampa Bay region, even as long-term plans for a new Rays ballpark remain in development.
TL;DR
- Hillsborough County Commission approved $18 million in tourist tax revenue for upgrades to Steinbrenner Field
- Funding will expand concessions, seating, and fan amenities at the shared spring training facility
- Renovations come after the Yankees invested $22 million into the stadium to host the Rays in 2025
- Upgrades aim to enhance the game-day experience as Rays continue stadium location discussions