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Tampa Bay Rays Open 'Experience Center' Ahead of New Stadium Construction
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Rays Open Tampa Experience Center for New Ballpark

The Tampa Bay Rays will open an "experience center" in Tampa early next year to showcase their vision for a new $2.3 billion ballpark. The team leased 15,000 square feet in Westshore City Center for the facility, which will feature retail, exhibits and immersive previews of the new stadium.

10/08/2026 · Sarasota edition

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The Tampa Bay Rays will open an "experience center" in Tampa early next year to showcase their vision for a new $2.3 billion ballpark and mixed-use district. The team leased approximately 15,000 square feet at 1111 N. Westshore Blvd. in Westshore City Center for the facility.

The space includes 9,000 square feet on the first floor for the experience center and nearly 6,000 square feet on the second floor for 40 to 50 sales employees dedicated to the new ballpark. Construction on the center is scheduled to begin in October.

The center will feature retail, family-friendly activities, memorabilia, and exhibits, including a "digital preview" of the future stadium and surrounding district. Rays officials plan an "appointment-only, immersive journey" within the center to help prospective season ticket members, premium clients, and partners visualize their experience in the new development.

The new ballpark and mixed-use development are planned for the site of Hillsborough College on Dale Mabry. The city of Tampa and Hillsborough County approved $876 million in funding for the stadium last month, allowing the team to proceed with construction. The ballpark is slated to open for the 2029 baseball season.

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