Tampa Bay Rays opening 'experience center' to show off, sell new stadium

As the Tampa Bay Rays work toward the World Series on the field, its executives are getting ready to sell team’s vision — and season tickets — for a new ballpark.

The team announced Tuesday it has leased about 15,000 square feet in a Tampa office building where it will open an experience center aimed at showcasing the new stadium and mixed-use district.

It is scheduled to open early next year in Westshore City Center at 1111 N. Westshore Blvd.

That’s nearly 3 miles from the site of Hillsborough College on Dale Mabry where the team has won approval to build the $2.3 billion ballpark along with a mixed used development that will include retail, dining options, multifamily and a new campus for the college.

The city of Tampa and Hillsborough County agreed last month to provide $876 million in funds for the stadium, clearing the way for the team to begin working in earnest on getting it built and open in time for the 2029 baseball season.

While there are still some logistical hurdles to deal with, construction should begin soon on the site of the campus.

The Rays have leased 9,000 square feet on the first floor of the Westshore Boulevard building for the experience center and nearly 6,000 square feet on the second floor for 40 to 50 employees charged with the sales efforts for the new ballpark.

The center itself, the team says, will include retail, family-friendly experiences, memorabilia and exhibits, including “a digital preview” of the stadium and the district.

There will also be space for “an appointment-only, immersive journey designed to help prospective season ticket members, premium clients and partners envision their place and experience in the new ballpark and district,” the Rays say in a statement.

Construction on the center is expected to begin in October. Signage has already gone up.