City of Tampa, FL

08/28/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/28/2026 12:28

City of Tampa to Celebrate Rays Agreement with Fireworks, Blue and Yellow Landmarks News City Council, News General, News Mayor Office, News Parks and Recreation, News Tampa[...]

In celebration of both the Hillsborough County Commission and Tampa City Council voting in favor of solidifying the Tampa Bay Rays' future in Tampa, the City of Tampa, in partnership with the Rays, will illuminate the skies on Friday evening with a fireworks display at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and blue and yellow lights, Rays' colors, at Old City Hall and select City landmarks.

The celebration follows votes by both the Hillsborough County Commission and Tampa City Council approving agreements to move forward with construction of a new Tampa Bay Rays ballpark and surrounding mixed-use development on Hillsborough College's Dale Mabry campus.

The fireworks display is expected to begin at approximately 8:30 p.m. and last about 10 minutes. Fireworks will be launched from the lawn at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N Ashley Dr., Tampa, FL 33602.

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park will be closed to visitors for safety during the fireworks display. The public can view the fireworks from the Tampa Riverwalk and other nearby areas surrounding the park.

"Today's vote makes it official. The Rays are staying in Tampa, and we are ready to build their future home," said Mayor Jane Castor. "I want to thank the County Commission for their partnership and for seeing what this agreement means for our region, jobs, investment, and a destination our entire community can be proud of. Tampa fought for this opportunity, and Tampa is going to deliver."

NOISE ADVISORY

Residents, businesses and visitors in the areas of downtown, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, and along the Riverwalk should be aware that the fireworks display will produce loud noises for approximately 10 minutes beginning around 8:30 p.m.

City of Tampa, FL published this content on August 28, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on August 28, 2026 at 18:28 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]