Pinellas County commissioners are weighing a tourism-funded plan to support a more than $200 million renovation of BayCare Ballpark, tied to an extension of the Philadelphia Phillies’ spring training lease in Clearwater.
The project includes a potential $80 million to $85 million in tourist development tax dollars from Pinellas County, alongside about $75 million from the Phillies and a $20 million state grant.
The plan ties public funding from bed taxes to a long-term lease extension that would keep the team in Pinellas County through at least 2047.
Brian Aungst Jr., a Clearwater land-use attorney representing the Phillies, presented the framework, detailing the team’s economic impact and funding structure.
An economic study cited during the presentation estimates the Phillies generate about $80 million annually in local impact, driven by tourism, seasonal residents and related spending. Based on historical performance, that equates to roughly $1.6 billion over the next decade.
The Phillies drew more than 103,000 fans during the 2026 spring training season, with the ballpark operating above stated capacity and posting the highest-attended game in the league.
Commissioners signaled support for using tourism tax dollars for the project as negotiations move toward a term sheet.
The funding model relies on bed tax revenue rather than property taxes, a point emphasized as the county evaluates its role. The improvements would be made to a city-owned facility, with no direct transfer of public assets to the team.
The project would mark the first major renovation of the ballpark since it opened in 2004.
The project builds on significant private investment already underway. The Phillies have committed roughly $49 million toward initial phases of the upgrades, including structural work, a new scoreboard and player development improvements. Additional repairs followed storm damage that officials said reached into the tens of millions.
Planned upgrades focus on both fan experience and operational capacity. The proposal includes expanded concourses, additional concessions, new seating areas, upgraded restrooms and retail space, along with enhancements to training facilities and administrative areas.
A new berm and scoreboard have already been completed, with additional phases expected to follow pending funding.
The project also carries a secondary function beyond baseball. Plans call for portions of the stadium complex to serve as a staging and housing site for utility crews during hurricane response, adding an emergency response function to the facility.
Commissioners asked about cost allocation, prior investments and how improvements are divided between player-focused facilities and public-facing amenities.
Final terms, including the county’s financial contribution, remain under discussion.
The Phillies have trained in Clearwater since 1947, one of the longest continuous relationships between a Major League Baseball team and a host city.
The current lease runs through 2027, with the proposed agreement intended to extend that timeline and anchor the next phase of investment at the ballpark.
County officials are expected to continue negotiations before bringing a finalized funding package forward for approval.
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