New Interior Renderings Offer First Look at the Rays’ $2.3 Billion Stadium Planned for Tampa
The Tampa Bay Rays have unveiled the first interior renderings of their proposed new ballpark, offering the clearest look yet at a stadium designed to blend modern technology, fan-focused amenities, and elements inspired by both Tropicana Field and Tampa’s broader cultural identity. The renderings were revealed during the fifth inning of the Rays’ 3-0 victory over the New York Yankees on a Rays.TV broadcast, showcasing five renderings for the proposed stadium. The defining feature throughout the designs is the stadium’s fixed dome, which is intended to create an indoor environment while maintaining a connection to the outdoors. Expected to seat approximately 30,000 spectators, the climate-controlled stadium will feature a partially transparent roof constructed with ETFE, a lightweight and highly transparent material commonly used in modern stadium and architectural projects. The design will allow natural light to enter the building while protecting fans and players from Florida’s heat and unpredictable weather. The goal behind the roof design is to create an experience that feels more open-air while still providing the benefits of an enclosed facility. Beyond the dome, renderings highlight several fan-focused features, including two large digital video displays, premium seating positioned closer to the field, a center-field bar overlooking the playing surface, and expanded gathering areas throughout the ballpark. One of the most recognizable features carried over from Tropicana Field will also receive a major upgrade: the Rays’ popular ray tank. At the main plaza entrance, fans will be greeted by views toward center field, landscaped open space, and a larger aquarium feature designed to showcase rays in a more prominent setting. The stadium will also incorporate elements celebrating Tampa’s history and identity, including the use of Ybor City-inspired red brick throughout portions of the design. In a statement, Rays CEO Ken Babby said the updated designs reflect feedback from fans who want a ballpark that balances tradition with modern expectations. “Ballpark design is always in motion, but we felt it was time to pause and share with our fans where we are today and anticipate going in the future,” Babby said. “What we are unveiling today is a response to what Rays fans have told us they want: a comfortable and inviting ballpark that honors the intimate connection between fans and the game, while at the same time incorporating modern amenities and design innovations that they expect and deserve.” According to the Tampa Bay Times, the Rays intend to offer a range of ticket prices to maintain accessibility for fans across different income levels. A Larger Mixed-Use District Beyond Baseball The unveiling comes several months after the Rays introduced their broader vision for the surrounding development, a mixed-use district inspired by projects such as The Battery Atlanta. The proposed redevelopment would transform the Hillsborough Community College Dale Mabry Campus site into a new destination combining sports, entertainment, housing, and commercial uses. Beyond the stadium, plans call for restaurants, retail, office space, a music venue, hotel development, residential buildings, and new educational facilities for Hillsborough Community College as part of a potential campus redevelopment. At full buildout, the stadium and surrounding district are projected to generate approximately $55.5 billion in economic impact over 35 years, create nearly 11,900 permanent jobs, and attract more than 10 million annual visitors to the area. The development would add another major destination to a region already anchored by high-volume attractions such as Raymond James Stadium and International Plaza and Bay Street. Funding and Approval Process Remain Ahead Despite the unveiling of new designs, the project still faces significant hurdles before construction can begin. The Rays must secure political approval to redevelop the publicly owned site and continue negotiations surrounding nearly $1 billion in proposed public contributions, primarily from Hillsborough County. Under the current framework, the team would fund more than half of the stadium/district costs while also covering potential construction overruns. In May, Tampa and Hillsborough County officials agreed to continue negotiations by approving a non-binding memorandum of understanding with the team. Final agreements, financing terms, and approvals have yet to be finalized. The Rays have stated their goal is to open the new stadium in time for the 2029 baseball season.
Lilli Edgewater Heads to UDRB as Plans Advance for 53-Story Bayfront Tower
Plans for the recently unveiled Lilli Edgewater condominium have been submitted to Miami’s Urban Development Review Board, marking the next step for OKO Group’s second luxury waterfront tower in the neighborhood. The Russian-founded international developer is planning the 53-story condominium at 717 NE 27th Street, directly along Biscayne Bay. The project follows the completion of Missoni Baia, the firm’s first residential tower in Edgewater, and represents the second phase of a broader four-tower vision for the waterfront. Designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, with ODP Architecture and Design serving as architect of record, the tower will rise on property already owned by OKO Group. A separate parking structure will also be constructed on an adjacent parcel at 527 NE 27th Street. According to plans submitted to the city, Lilli Edgewater will contain 117 condominium residences ranging from one-bedroom homes to four-bedroom residences and penthouses. With just 117 units spread across 53 stories, residential floors will contain no more than three residences, resulting in larger floor plans than typically found in Miami high-rises. Sales launched several months ago, with residences starting at $1.65 million. Fortune Development Sales is overseeing sales and marketing for the project. Residents will have access to an amenity program organized around what the developer describes as four lifestyle pillars: movement, recovery, nourishment, and connection. Planned amenities include a rooftop saltwater pool, movement studio, treatment rooms, saunas, cold-plunge pools, and additional wellness-focused spaces. At street level, the project will include a residential lobby, amenity areas, and a 350-foot publicly accessible baywalk along Biscayne Bay. The waterfront promenade is required under Miami 21’s Waterfront Design Standards, which are intended to preserve continuous public access along the city’s shoreline. Because the structure contains no visible parking podium, necessary parking will instead be accommodated in a separate garage located across the street at 527 NE 27th Street. Plans call for 244 parking spaces along with approximately 2,516 square feet of ground-floor commercial space. The garage will rise several stories and feature a decorative perforated metal mesh screen designed to conceal the parking levels. According to submitted elevations, the condominium tower will rise 631 feet to its highest architectural point. The exterior will be dominated by floor-to-ceiling glass, expansive glass balconies, and a sleek curtain wall consistent with Miami’s luxury residential market. Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture describes the design as a slender, sculptural tower inspired by the movement of water, light, and wind. According to the architects, the building’s gently curving geometry creates a dynamic silhouette intended to contrast with the more orthogonal glass-and-stucco towers that characterize much of the surrounding Edgewater skyline. The proposal is scheduled to appear before Miami’s Urban Development Review Board on July 15th at 2:00 p.m. Although approval by the board is not required for the project to proceed, its recommendations often influence final architectural refinements before construction begins. Lilli Edgewater represents only the second phase of OKO Group’s long-term vision for the neighborhood. The developer ultimately plans four residential towers on the waterfront. Upon full buildout, the master plan is expected to include 748 condominium units, with the completed Missoni Baia accounting for 249 residences and Lilli Edgewater adding another 117.