Tampa, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Rays and Hillsborough College are moving quickly on a plan to keep students on the Dale Mabry campus while the $2.3 billion stadium project proceeds. The first phase, called “The Nest,” will be a temporary college campus built directly on the existing site, allowing classes to continue without displacing students.
Temporary campus to open for spring semester
Rays chief executive Ken Babby announced that construction on The Nest will begin immediately, with the goal of having the facility ready for the spring semester, roughly four months away. “We are eager to begin work on the Nest immediately,” Babby said. “Students will not be displaced to another campus; we’re building the Nest directly onsite at the Dale Mabry Hillsborough College campus.”
Hillsborough College President Dr. Ken Atwater echoed the timeline, emphasizing that the temporary campus is designed to keep students on‑site while the stadium construction continues. The Nest will serve as a transitionary space, providing classrooms, labs and student services until the permanent campus is completed.
Financing still pending
While construction plans are advancing, the project still requires bond validation to confirm financing. Hillsborough County Commission Chair Ken Hagan said the validation process could take 60 to 90 days. If any legal challenge arises, it would be addressed through the bond validation procedure and, if appealed, would go directly to the Florida Supreme Court on an accelerated basis.
In addition to bond approval, the Rays and county officials must finalize a community benefits agreement. The agreement will outline investments tied to the stadium deal, including affordable housing, workforce‑development programs and youth initiatives. Babby stressed that no city or county money will be spent until the agreement is negotiated and signed.
Local impact and next steps
The temporary campus is expected to benefit both students and the broader community by maintaining continuity of education and minimizing traffic disruptions during stadium construction. Business owners and residents have expressed optimism that the project will bring jobs and economic activity to the area while preserving the educational mission of Hillsborough College.
Stakeholders anticipate a September groundbreaking for the permanent ballpark, pending the completion of financing and the community benefits agreement. Until then, The Nest will serve as a tangible sign that the Rays and local leaders are committed to a smooth transition for students and the community alike.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
