A Smarter Way to Fund a Rays Stadium

By Taryn Sabia
Tampa mayoral candidate and urban design professional

Taryn Sabia is proposing a new approach to one of Tampa Bay’s biggest challenges. A plan that protects taxpayers and gives Tampa Bay residents a stake in the future.

This model builds on successful approaches used in other major markets and replaces taxpayer subsidies with shared ownership. 

Explore the Full Plan:

• Read the Full Plan
• View the Detailed Concept Brief 

Question: How do you force a single municipality to finance a regional asset?

Answer: You don’t

The Problem

For years, stadium deals have forced the same debate: public dollars versus private gain.

Taxpayers are often asked to fund projects with limited long-term return, while key decisions happen without transparency.

The crushing debt service can limit the municipalities ability to serve critical future needs.

The Solution

Taryn Sabia is proposing a new model: a publicly traded, regionally owned, stadium entity  (TBRSE).

This proposal separates the “investors (Rays Fans)” from “the taxpayer (single local municipality).”  Instead of relying on exclusive taxpayer funding for the second half of the stadium funding, you rely on the power of our region. 

This approach allows residents, businesses, and local entities to invest directly in a stadium entity (TBRSE) and share in the value created with the Rays as shareholders.

How It Works

• Funding concept for the stadium only – Rays continue with mixed use district as proposed and negotiated. We need the franchise to be successful.
• The Rays retain majority ownership of (TBRSE) and operational control (contribute 51% to the entity).
• Up to 49 percent of the remaining cost, sold as shares, will come from our Tampa Bay Region, first.
• Regional residents, local businesses, and other organizations can invest directly in the future of our city and region.
• Built in Maintenance and Capital Improvement plan established from the start, no debt but planning.
• Public funding is used only for infrastructure that benefits the community, not just the stadium.

Why It Matters

For Local Residents
Opportunity to invest and benefit directly.

For the municipality (Hillsborough County + City of Tampa)
Shifts the public tax investment away from the stadium itself, and towards infrastructure improvements that support transportation, resilience, and quality of life.

For the Rays
A modern stadium in a thriving mixed-use district, in the 11^th largest TV market and a more engaged, invested fan base! (Go Rays!).

What This Changes

• Moves away from taxpayer-heavy stadium deals.
• Strives to keeps wealth generated in Tampa Bay within the region.
• Increases transparency through public reporting.
• Reduces financial risk for the public.

A Better Way Forward

This is not about opposing growth. It is about getting it right.

Allocating taxes to maximize public uses.

Tampa Bay has an opportunity to lead with a model that prioritizes transparency, shared investment, and long-term value for the community.

About Taryn Sabia

Taryn Sabia is an urban designer, educator, and community advocate with more than 20 years of experience helping cities plan for people-centered growth.

She serves as Assistant Dean for Research at the University of South Florida’s College of Design, Art & Performance, where she chairs the Bachelor of Science in Design program and teaches courses on urban design policy, climate adaptation, transportation systems, and citizen engagement. Taryn previously directed the Florida Center for Community Design and Research.

Taryn is a co-founder of Urban Charrette, a Tampa-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering residents to shape their neighborhoods through collaborative design. She has planned and facilitated over 200 public charrettes and workshops and has advised more than 30 mayors nationwide on community-driven planning and development.

Born legally blind, Taryn brings a unique perspective to accessibility, mobility, and inclusive design. She holds a Master of Architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design, a Master of Urban and Community Design from USF, a Master of Education from Harvard University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Visual Art from Eckerd College.

Taryn is running for Tampa Mayor to address Tampa’s affordability crisis, improve transportation options, support small businesses, and bring people together around a fresh vision for the city’s future.