Hillsborough County Ready For Stadium Talks When Rays Are

While nothing has changed in the long-running stalemate between the Tampa Bay Rays and the city of St. Pete, Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan wants plans in place when the impasse ends.

At Wednesday’s commission meeting, Hagan will ask to designate the Tampa Sports Authority to lead discussions with the Rays about a new stadium. That is, if the Rays get permission to look at sites outside Pinellas County.

If other commissioners approve, Hagan said he would then set up a working committee to focus on finding a location for a Rays ballpark in Hillsborough, and the money to pay for it.

The committee ideally would include Hagan, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, Tampa Sports Authority CEO Eric Hart, and a prominent member of the private sector, Hagan said.

For more on this story, visit Will Hobson, Tampa Bay Times.