The Hillsborough College District Board of Trustees has voted unanimously to approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Tampa Bay Rays, authorizing the College to pursue a partnership for the redevelopment of its Dale Mabry Campus.
The team announced statements from Rays Chief Executive Officer Ken Babby, Hillsborough College President Dr. Ken Atwater, and Hillsborough College Board of Trustees Chair Greg Celestan:
Ken Babby – Chief Executive Officer, Tampa Bay Rays
“We are encouraged to take this early but very important step forward in bringing a shared and innovative concept to life for all of Tampa Bay. We are grateful for today’s unanimous vote, which reflects what’s possible when we all listen, learn and work together to realize a vision that will make our community better. Our partnership with Hillsborough College creates meaningful opportunities for students through education, workforce development, and real-world learning, while strengthening the connection between the team and the community we call home.
We have a lot of work ahead, but we will move forward energized by the momentum behind this effort and excited to continue our work toward building a lasting partnership that creates a forever home for the Tampa Bay Rays and serves our fans, students, and the broader community for generations to come.”
Dr. Ken Atwater – President, Hillsborough College
“This partnership represents a transformational opportunity for Hillsborough College and, most importantly, for the student experience. A project of this scale and vision creates new pathways for learning, workforce development, internships, and career-connected education that directly benefit our students, faculty and staff. By reimagining the Dale Mabry Campus within a dynamic, mixed-use district, we are enhancing the educational experience while strengthening our role as an economic and civic anchor for the community. We are proud to be part of a proposal that invests in our College, expands opportunity, and positions Hillsborough College at the center of Tampa’s future.”
Gregory Celestan – Chair, Hillsborough College Board of Trustees
“Today’s vote reflects our shared belief in the power of partnership to drive real community impact. This is about so much more than a ballpark. It’s about economic development, opportunity for our students, and creating something meaningful that benefits Tampa Bay for generations. We’re excited to take this important step forward with the Rays and to help set the stage for the City and County as they move into the next phase of this process. Welcoming the Rays home to this site while creating a live, work, play and learn district is an extraordinary opportunity, and we’re ready to help get this project in motion.”
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