-
New here? Register here now for access to all the forums, download game torrents, private messages, polls, Sportsbook, etc. Plus, stay connected and follow BP on Instagram @buckeyeplanet and Facebook.
Tampa Bay Rays (official thread)
- By ScriptOhio
- Professional Baseball
- 98 Replies
Rays reach $2.3 billion deal for new stadium in Tampa with eyes on opening for 2029 season
The new ballpark will replace Tropicana Field, which has been the Rays' home stadium since their 1998 debut
www.cbssports.com
Rays reach $2.3 billion deal for new stadium in Tampa with eyes on opening for 2029 season
The new ballpark will replace Tropicana Field, which has been the Rays' home stadium since their 1998 debut
The Tampa Bay Rays have a deal in place for a new $2.3 billion stadium and surrounding development to be built in Tampa, ideally in time for the 2029 season. The agreement means that the Rays, barring the unforeseen, will remain in the Tampa-St. Petersburg area for at least decades to come.
On Friday, Hillsborough County commissioners voted by a 5-2 count to approve a package of county funding. This comes the day after the Tampa City Council voted 4-3 to approve its share of funding for the project. In all, the city of Tampa is contributing roughly $80 million in public funding, and the county of Hillsborough will contribute almost $800 million. The remaining $1.4 billion or so and any cost overruns will be privately financed. The new complex will be located near Hillsborough College's Dale Mabry campus.
Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred released a statement through the league following the county commissioners' vote on Friday.
"This is a great day for Tampa Bay Rays fans, the entire Tampa Bay region and Major League Baseball. I want to thank the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, the Tampa City Council and everyone who worked tirelessly to develop a plan that reflects the interests and priorities of the community while securing a state-of-the-art ballpark and a strong, long-term future for the Rays in Tampa Bay.
"I also congratulate Patrick Zalupski and his partners for their tremendous efforts to make this new ballpark a reality, and I look forward to working with them as they build on the organization's success and deepen its connection with fans throughout the region.
"This agreement represents an important investment in the future of Tampa Bay and provides a tremendous foundation for the Rays and Major League Baseball to continue thriving in this community for generations to come."
Rays CEO Ken Babby also released a statement through the club:
"The Tampa Bay Rays enthusiastically thank and applaud the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners for making history. By virtue of its approval of a county investment in partnership with the Rays and the City of Tampa, today our entire region can celebrate the coming of a privately financed and mixed-use neighborhood, a reinvented Hillsborough College campus, and a new ballpark that secures the long-term future of Major League Baseball here in Tampa Bay.
"With deep gratitude, we commend Hillsborough County Chair Ken Hagan and his fellow elected officials for their vision and support. We are also grateful to Dr. Ken Atwater, President of Hillsborough College, who has been an inspiration throughout this journey. We all have more work ahead, but there is no question our partnership will ensure a cohesive and successful process.
"Above all, we now look forward to celebrating before breaking ground with Hillsborough County an the City of Tampa on a future that has long been doubted, but will indeed happen. By making the Forever Home a reality, the Rays are now home forever in Tampa Bay."
.
.
.
continued
Upvote
0
OL Mason Wilhelm (Official Thread)
- By ScriptOhio
- Buckeye Football
- 29 Replies
Better Know a Buckeye: Ohio State Legacy Mason Wilhelm Rounds Out Buckeyes’ 2026 Class on Interior Offensive Line
Better Know A Buckeye is our look at every member of Ohio State’s 2026 recruiting class and how they became Buckeyes as they prepare to begin their OSU careers this fall.
The son of Matt Wilhelm, a former Buckeye linebacker who won a national championship at Ohio State in 2002, Mason Wilhelm is the final installment of this series for the 2026 class.
Depth Chart Outlook
With four starting offensive linemen back from last season and plenty of depth behind them, Wilhelm is unlikely to see significant playing time as a freshman.Having practiced at both center and guard in his first offseason at Ohio State, Wilhelm could provide valuable depth on the interior offensive line next season, when Luke Montgomery, Carson Hinzman and Austin Siereveld could all be in the NFL. His best shot of earning a starting role will likely come as an upperclassman.
Upvote
0
Upvote
0
Upvote
0
Upvote
0
Upvote
0
Upvote
0
Upvote
0
LB Payton Pierce (All B1G, National Champion)
- By ScriptOhio
- Buckeye Football
- 97 Replies
Login to view embedded media
“I know you're extremely proud of him, as am I, about the way not only he carries himself and represents this university and our culture, but also the way he represents the Pierce last name is pretty special. I know you're proud, as you should be. I am, too.”– James Laurinaitis to Payton Pierce’s family
From 11W: The leading vote-getter, according to linebackers coach James Laurinaitis, was junior linebacker Payton Pierce, showing just how much respect Pierce has earned from his teammates even though he’s entering his first season as Ohio State’s starting middle linebacker.
Upvote
0
