Ken Babby

Here's how a city built a dome to land a Major League Baseball team despite being told not to — and how the search for something better has continued ever since.

The college's trustees approved hiring a project management firm to serve as the owner’s representative if construction takes place. The board also amended its capital improvement plan to include $50 million allocated by the state for the project.

A draft is expected to go public Thursday. The agreement, which will include recent proposals by Councilman Bill Carlson, would then be added to upcoming agendas for the city council and county commission.

Bill Carlson says the Rays are receptive to his plan to cover Tampa's share of construction through new tax-increment revenue from the stadium district that would also seed a citywide infrastructure trust fund.

Bill Carlson says he learned of negotiated changes in the $976 million contribution during a meeting with Rays CEO Ken Babby, who recently opened individual discussions with council members.

Mayor Jane Castor says council members have been kept informed and explains her frustration was over last week's votes, but remains optimistic a deal can be done that maintains Tampa's role in the project.

CEO Ken Babby meets with councilman Bill Carlson a day after two contentious decisions by the council and CRA board. Meantime, Mayor Jane Castor rebuked council members, eliciting a sharp response from Carlson.

Council members removed a key vote from an August meeting on using $100 million from the Drew Park CRA for the stadium project, then halted a procedural transmission of land-use changes for state review.

CEO Ken Babby says the Rays want Tampa's 3.5% contribution to the $2.3 billion stadium, but "we can't beg." Meanwhile, an Orlando group makes a move as the eleventh hour nears for the Tampa proposal.

Predominant features in the new drawings are sky views through the see-thru cantilevered roof and an larger aquarium-like rays touch tank showcased in an expansive plaza entrance.

Board members of the redevelopment agency told Ken Babby they don't want all the future money going to the team. He said the larger community would benefit from what is called the "halo effect."

A CRA board vote scheduled for Thursday could be pushed back to July 23. Meantime, the Rays will meet with Drew Park residents on Wednesday, who have complained about being left out of the discussions.