The Tampa Bay Rays have secured county approval for a financing plan to build a new stadium. This comes a day after city officials approved their part of the $2.3 billion project. he new 31,000-seat stadium will be near Raymond James Stadium and is expected to open in 2029. Rays CEO Ken Babby says the partnership ensures the long-term future of Major League Baseball in Tampa Bay. The Rays will contribute at least $1.3 billion. The Hillsborough County Commission voted 5-2 on Friday for its $796 million share, while the Tampa City Council approved $80 million on Thursday.