The Hillsborough College District Board of Trustees has approved a long-term ground lease agreement with the Tampa Bay Rays, marking the next step in a proposed partnership to redevelop a portion of the College’s Dale Mabry Campus.
The vote builds on the Board’s Jan. 20, 2026, approval of a nonbinding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Rays, which authorized the College and the organization to pursue plans for a potential new ballpark and mixed-use development. Since that time, College staff and the Rays have worked collaboratively to negotiate terms of a lease that would enable the project to move forward.
“The Hillsborough College District Board of Trustees voted to approve moving forward with the ground lease as part of the next step in our partnership with the Tampa Bay Rays,” said Greg Celestan, chairman of the Hillsborough College District Board of Trustees. “Approving the ground lease reflects our commitment to thoughtfully exploring an opportunity that could bring long-term benefits to our students, strengthen our campus and create meaningful impact for the Tampa Bay community. We’re encouraged by the progress and remain focused on ensuring this project aligns with the College’s mission and priorities.”
The approved agreement outlines a long-term ground lease covering a significant portion of the Dale Mabry Campus property. The agreement is subject to contingencies for both the College and the Rays, including the potential participation of state and local government partners in funding key aspects of the project, as well as the future execution of a comprehensive development agreement to govern construction timelines, responsibilities and implementation.
“This is an important step in what continues to be a transformational opportunity for Hillsborough College,” said Dr. Ken Atwater, president of Hillsborough College. “As we move forward, our priority remains clear: ensuring that this partnership enhances the student experience, expands access to innovative learning environments and strengthens our role as a driver of workforce development and economic growth in Tampa Bay. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in our students, strengthen our College and surrounding infrastructure to help shape a brighter future for Tampa Bay. We respectfully encourage our elected officials to support this project and keep it moving forward.”
The ground lease does not carry a direct monetary cost for the College. If funding contingencies are met, the project is expected to support significant state investment in rebuilding and modernizing the Dale Mabry Campus.
Hillsborough College will continue full operations on the Dale Mabry Campus throughout the planning and development process. Instruction and student services will remain available, with temporary facilities utilized as needed to support continuity. Long-term plans include the development of new academic buildings and the integration of college facilities into a vibrant, mixed-use environment.
Hillsborough College serves more than 46,000 students annually at its five campuses located throughout Tampa Bay. For more information, visit hcfl.edu.
Hillsborough College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Hillsborough College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Hillsborough College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Visit hcfl.edu/accreditation for more information.