The Tampa Bay Chamber recently submitted a formal statement to the Tampa City Council and the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners outlining the Chamber's position on the proposed stadium project and the future of the Tampa Bay Rays in our region. In the letter, the Chamber reaffirmed its strong support for keeping the Rays in Tampa Bay while emphasizing the importance of thoughtful, transparent decision-making around a project of this scale.
"The Tampa Bay Chamber reaffirms our strong support for keeping the Tampa Bay Rays in the Tampa Bay region. As a cornerstone of our regional identity and economy, the Rays play a vital role in driving economic activity, community pride, and national visibility for our business community.”
The Chamber also highlighted the significant economic opportunity presented by the proposal, noting the potential for long-term impact through job creation and mixed-use development aligned with workforce and education priorities.
“We are encouraged by the scale and potential impact of the proposed stadium project to serve as a catalyst for meaningful economic growth.”
At the same time, the Chamber underscored the need for clarity and accountability as discussions move forward.
"It is essential to fully understand the financial and business terms associated with the proposal… to ensure a sound, transparent investment that delivers measurable return for the broader community.”
The statement also emphasized the importance of protecting the broader regional ecosystem, including existing sports and entertainment assets, and addressing infrastructure and neighborhood impacts as part of any final agreement.
As the Voice of Business for the Tampa Bay region, the Chamber remains actively engaged in this conversation and committed to working alongside local leaders to ensure a path forward that strengthens our economy and benefits the entire community.
Read the full statement here.