Tampa’s multi‑use arena, home to Buccaneers football
The Hillsborough County Commission has approved a $796 million share of a new entertainment district and 31,000-seat stadium near Raymond James Stadium. The Rays aim to open the new stadium in 2029, with a private partner contributing at least $1.3 billion and federal funds adding $30 million. The deal requires alignment with city and county officials and marks a pivotal moment for Tampa Bay baseball.
Ed Sheeran has addressed the controversy over Macklemore’s removal from his Loop Tour and the withdrawal of all remaining supporting acts. Sheeran has said promoters and venue owners, including stadium operators, forced the decision and he has returned to perform solo at Lincoln Financial Field while ticket sales and supporting-lineup stability have declined.
Macklemore has been removed from the remaining U.S. dates of Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour after venues objected to his onstage calls for Free Palestine. Messina Touring Group says the move follows discussions with stakeholders and could affect hundreds of thousands of fans. The tour will resume in Philadelphia on Sept. 19 with Sheeran continuing as the headlining act.
The billionaire owner of Gillette Stadium has confirmed he pressured Ed Sheeran over Macklemore’s participation in a US tour, citing a history of antisemitic rhetoric. Macklemore was removed from remaining dates, drawing scrutiny of the interplay between wealth, politics and culture.