Tampa Sports Authority puts spending priority in writing. It's Raymond James Stadium

June 10, 2026 - 17:09

The Tampa Sports Authority has made its spending priorities clear, and they center on Raymond James Stadium. In a letter sent to Hillsborough County officials, the board stopped short of choosing between building a new ballpark for the Tampa Bay Rays and modernizing the Buccaneers' home. Instead, it urged county leaders to keep the aging 65,000-seat stadium in top condition to continue generating revenue.

The letter emphasizes that the 27-year-old stadium needs significant investment to remain competitive for major events, including Super Bowls, college football playoffs, and concerts. The board noted that the facility's infrastructure is showing its age and requires upgrades to seating, concourses, and technology. While the Tampa Sports Authority manages the stadium, the county controls the funding.

The message arrives as Hillsborough County weighs competing demands. The Rays have pushed for a new stadium in St. Petersburg, but the Tampa Sports Authority's focus remains squarely on the Bucs' venue. Board members stressed that keeping Raymond James Stadium profitable is essential for the local economy and tourism. They did not rule out supporting a Rays ballpark in the future, but the letter makes clear that the existing stadium cannot be neglected in the meantime. County commissioners are expected to review the request in upcoming budget talks.