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 potential redevelopment of a new ballpark on a portion of its Dale Mabry Campus.
“Today’s vote reflects our shared belief in the power of partnership to drive real community impact,” said Greg Celestan, chairman of the Hillsborough College District Board of Trustees. “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.”
Hillsborough College will continue to operate on the Dale Mabry Campus throughout any planning and construction. Instruction and student services will remain available, with temporary on-campus facilities utilized as needed during construction to support academic continuity. As part of the long-term plan, new academic buildings will be developed, and existing spaces reconfigured to integrate into a shared, mixed-use campus environment.
“This partnership represents a transformational opportunity for Hillsborough College and, most importantly, for the student experience,” said Dr. Ken Atwater, president of Hillsborough College. “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.”
The MOU does not require the College to do the project, and it can be terminated by the Board at any time.
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.