Team Puerto Ricos scheduled exhibition game against the Rays on Thursday, March 9 will now be hosted by the Atlanta Braves at North Port. Seattle Mariners unveil City Connect uniforms. This scenario seems perfect for an in-state move. Can this problem be solved with money and a stadium move to Tampa proper? The Trop was built as a hockey arena, and even the Lightning found it wasn't as suitable for it, moving to the Amalie Arena in downtown Tampa. , and with the split-season proposal with Montreal shot down, the idea is gaining traction. They had 35 years with very little success (one NLCS appearance and the best record in baseball in 1994. Montreal was viable once so, of course, it can be again and the Blue Jays, through thick and thin, have stuck around. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. and I recently flew into Tampa for a three game series and getting to Tropicana Field from Tampa itself was a pain in the butt. Writers and fans STILL dont have much to talk about right now regarding baseball, but in other news, MLB finally shot down the Tampa Bay Rays ridiculous plan to split their season between the Tampa area and Montreal. Move the Tampa Rays to Memphis. Their attendance matches the teams talent level, and the Bucs have had great success, even before Tom Brady showed up in town. The Carolina Panthers are in the middle of a down phase and may not be winners again for quite some time. The multifield complex will give the Rays the space they need for their Spring Training workouts. QUIZ: Which Member of the 2021 Washington Nationals Are You? The Tampa Bay Rays will be seeking a temporary spring training site after determining Charlotte Sports Park damage caused by Hurricane Ian was too extensive for camp in 2023. Rays ownership still has a proposal for a $700 million stadium in Ybor City at their feet. Obviously the Rays would need a new ballpark built, but the remaining fanbase in Tampa Bay is already calling for a new stadium, so this is somewhat of a moot point. A history in Charlotte County. So it came as some surprise that the attendance for a 'home' franchise is so low (with, at least, fans originating from Tampa without ties to other franchises). The Tampa Bay Rays have baseball's best offense, . The decision affects both the major league and minor league camps. This is why the Rays rank in the bottom half for attendance (at roughly 18,000-plus per) and even then, you have a large portion being visiting fans (snow birds or local residents who hailed from other states before the Rays existed). It can be problematic, but not unheard of, for Major League baseball teams to host spring training at more than one site. Theres also the fact that the Rays would have nowhere to play until they move, which sours the idea of an immediate relocation. The city has experimented with five different minor league baseball teams since 1903 with limited success. 'Believe in the power of cheese': How a group of rookies helped give the Brewers the best vibes in baseball, Fantasy baseball: Load up on San Diego bats this weekend. So is it possible? I think it is about time the world's largest playground gets a professional sports team. One of the drawbacks, however, would be the very low population. Not to mention a name change the Rays would have to do, to something like the Stars or Outlaws. And while the STORY of the Rays (small fries defeating the big time spending giants) is great dramatic fodder, no one, at least in person, is seeing it. Charlotte Sports Park has been Tampa Bay's Spring Training home since 2009. Support local journalism with a digital subscription to the Herald-Tribune. Following a joint assessment of the damage to Charlotte Sports Park caused by Hurricane Ian, Charlotte County and the Tampa Bay Rays have determined there is not adequate time before the Rays 2023 spring training is scheduled to begin to get the park in suitable condition to host games, the statement said. Central Texas is one of the most populous areas in the United States, and there have been talks of them potentially hosting another sports team for some time. The mayor's grandfather ran a woodyard business there before the neighborhood was essentially obliterated by Tropicana Field. Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. But it happens, even to the best of teams, the best of fans and even the most successful of franchises. Get the inside scoop on jobs, salaries, top office locations, and CEO insights. But why isnt it the first option? There isnt really an issue with this proposal. We are thankful for Disneys willingness and ability to accommodate our unexpected Spring Training needs, Rays president Matt Silverman said in a statement. Las Vegas has already lost out on the Sacramento Kings who decided to stay put and the Phoenix Coyotes decision to keep their franchise in its current location. The city's population ranking has shot up from 63rd to 28th since 1990, which is also another great reason to establish a professional sports team in Las Vegas. Pacers fans are immensely loyal and, regardless of talent or win totals, it always seems the Pacers are blue collar and supported as such. Legacy: San Antonio is known as a basketball town with the two major franchises being the NBA and the WNBA. K.C. Central Texas is one of the most populous areas in the United States, and there have been talks of them potentially hosting another sports team for some time. Its the fifth fastest growing city in the US, and a growing city for sports aswell with the Panthers boasting the 7th highest average attendence in 2018 despite being a relatively new expansion team, 5. In 2018, he listed Nashville, along with Las Vegas, Charlotte, Montreal, Portland and Vancouver as potential . With a . The Tampa Bay Rays still went by the name Devil Rays in August 2006, when they signed a 20-year spring training lease with Charlotte County for Charlotte Sports Park . Population: 454,731 (40th among U.S. cities). ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex will provide our players and coaches with first-class facilities for their annual ramp-up to the season.. The team rebounded in 2010 by winning the AL East for the second time in three years with a 96-66 record, but the Rays fell to the eventual World Series champion Texas Rangers in the ALDS. The Charlotte Sports Park facility, which has been the the Rays spring home since 2009, sustained extensive damage in the late-September storm, including to the game stadium and other buildings. Analysis: Fool me oncewhile the Expos had its fair share of ownership issues throughout its troubled history, the Expos also had very lousy attendance and, not for the last time, a Canadian team playing a United States game, had to go elsewhere. It's time for the Rays to move the franchise to a city where they can gain the support they need to continue as one of the AL's best teams for years to come. The Rays have arguably the best bullpen in the big leagues. Required fields are marked *. Never miss out on the latest with the Bucs, Rays, Lightning, Florida college sports and more. Tampa Bay Rays will use Disney, Tropicana Field as temporary spring training locations. The Rays and Charlotte County announced on Dec. 1 that the club would not be able to hold Spring Training at Charlotte Sports Park. PETERSBURG The Rays may soon stand alone as baseball's problem child. I decided to list 5 cities, one for each of the times a baseball flew into the Tropicana catwalks during the postseason over the years. The Rays faced the Atlanta Braves and drew 1,127 fans, the maximum attendance because of COVID-19 restrictions. There are corporate interests, fans to pounce on, and an area that wants baseball. There was significant damage and heavy flooding throughout Port Charlotte and Charlotte County after Hurricane Ian made landfall just south of Punta Gorda, Fla., on Sept. 28. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/G. (AP image). Proximity of the Rays in Port Charlotte as well as the Orioles and Pirates to the north and Red Sox and Twins to the south in Fort Myers was one of several factors when the Atlanta Braves decided to move theirspring training quarters to North Port. Charlotte Sports Park (formerly known as Charlotte County Stadium and Ranger Stadium) is a baseball stadium in Port Charlotte, Florida.The stadium is the home field for Tampa Bay Rays spring training operations, as well as its Rookie-class Florida Complex League Rays teams. They want to be next to a vibrant downtown," Welch said. Here are five cities that would likely be great fits for the Rays. Details remain to be worked out over the next several years, including how to finance the project among the Rays, the city, Pinellas County and other entities. Lets give Tennessee its own team instead. Doherty noted that while the Stone Crabs offered some family friendly fun, the county was successful in attractingyouth tournaments to recoup some tourism dollars. "We think Tampa is a major league market and we want to find a solution that makes the club economically viable in that market," Manfred said then. Most recently, published reports, primarily in the Tampa Bay Times, have highlighted a portion of that effort that would have the Rays play their spring training games in a stadium that would be built as part of the development play for the 50-acre Gas Worx parcel between Ybor City and the Channelside area, with a spring training player development site to the north, in Pasco County. NHL Lightning & Panthers. 5. Firstly, one has to know that Nashville has an entire website dedicated to making a push for their own Major League Baseball team. Earle Kimel primarily covers south Sarasota County for the Herald-Tribune and can be reached at earle.kimel@heraldtribune.com. Access to easy-to-read digital editions of weekly issues. A spokeswoman for Simpson confirmed that he and other Pasco County state legislators would consider seeking state aid for a proposed training site, depending on the details.. If the Rays were to leave the Tampa-St.Pete area, this should be the first place they should consider going. Legacy: Hartford is perhaps more known for its former franchise, aka The Whalers, then anything else. The Rays have played at the domed Tropicana Field since their inaugural 1998 season but have considered moving elsewhere, such as neighboring Tampa, amid consistently low attendance. The city has a very high population and has quite a large media market as well, which would help promote the Rays and perhaps sell out more than just one game per year. And even if the Rays create a mini-dynasty and win four of the next five championships, the current situation (crappy stadium, poor attendance, terrible local access) at a consistent rate will cause the owners and operators to question the viability of a Tampa franchise. Tampa residents Dennis Gallagher and his daughter Kate wait for the start of the Tampa Bay Rays final home spring training game last season. I think the loyal sports followers would go, but I think the biggest problem would be how spoiled the fans would be. There have also been professional leagues but, if substantial, it was back in the 19th century. Rays ownership still has a proposal for a $700 million stadium in Ybor City at their feet, and with the split-season proposal with Montreal shot down, the idea is gaining traction. https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Issues/2023/04/26/Franchises/tampa-bay-rays-standings-topicana-field-tickets.aspx. A. . At first, it seems like an odd move for the Tampa Bay Rays to abandon one of the cushiest spring-training setups in baseball and leave scenic Al Lang Field in downtown St. Petersburg for a spring-training site once abandoned by the Texas Rangers. and our https://twitter.com/PDriscollTBT/status/1398317459220881408?s=20 The Rays' Major League spring workouts, plus a Feb. 28 home game, will take place at the Disney complex in Lake Buena Vista. The community is in the thoughts and hearts of the Rays, and the team will continue to support recovery efforts. We are aware of the media reports about potential relocation discussions, but were told by the Rays management they have no immediate plans to move their spring training location, he continued. one for each of the times a baseball flew into the Tropicana catwalks during the postseason over the years. And while this Rays fan would be immensely sad if his home town team lost it's major league baseball franchise, there is no reason, in the worse case scenario that they DO, indeed, leave, for me to think the franchise, as changed as it would be, couldn't flourish somewhere else. The Rays will likely not be able to use TD Ameritrade Park though because of the minor league teams in the city, plus it can only fit around 24,000 fans. However, at its closest, St. Pete is six to eight miles from the city of Tampa and much, much farther coming from surrounding suburbs. The Trailblazers, in thick and thin (mostly thin in the last few decades), have stuck by them, and the Portland Timbers, a new MLS franchise, is making soccer viable in the US in at least one section of the country. Your email address will not be published. Once again, this would be a great place for the Rays to move because there are no professional sports teams in Nebraska, let alone the surrounding states like Iowa, Kansas and Wyoming. I think were a good fit for them, I feel thatthey feel the same way from conversations Ive had with some of their staff over the years, Doherty said. Its also a decent distance from Florida. The Spurs have been world class forwellever it seems. The Rays are just seven games out of the lead in the AL East and five and a half games out of the Wild Card, but are ranked 13th in AL attendance. 2023, Charter Communications, all rights reserved. The fans were out in full force to create one of the loudest arenas in the NBA during the Grizzlies' playoff run into the Western Conference semifinals. With the Reams lease at the Trop ending in 2027, Williams pitched to the team in 2020 an entire proposal fleshed out for a Rays move, including a $1.2 billion dollar stadium, corporate sponsorships and possible support from Disney, and the numbers, that show how Orange County collects triple the tourist taxes of Pinellas and Hillsborough, where St. Petersburg and Tampa sit, respectively. Other Franchises: No major sport franchises. Tampa Bay Rays. Because they play somewhere accessible for the greater Tampa Bay area. Last night's game drew 9,916 fans, but the average attendance through Monday marked a 57% jump "from last years low point over a similar stretch and a milestone worth noting. The Rays in 2019 "drew 22 crowds of less than 10,000, with a low of 5,786. After four consecutive playoff runs -- the most prosperous stretch in franchise history -- the locals may be responding (USA TODAY, 4/25). Charlotte, N.C. 2 of 5 According to the St. Petersburg Times, the Rays have almost 100,000 fans watching their games (per game) at home due to the long trek from Tampa to St. Petersburg. San Antonio, despite immense basketball success, is considered small market. Charlotte is a fast growing city, and theres tons of potential in every way. And any time a team threatens or considers folding, Portland is in the cards. Well have to play the wait-and-see game to see where that goes and we know their agreement here goes through 2028, so we hope to at least have them through then, but wed love to renew that agreement.. A's officials last week announced that they had signed a binding agreement to purchase 49 acres of land for a stadium . "It's not just for a ballgame but an entire experience.". They have a lease that runs through 2031 after recent extensions, according to the Port Charlotte Sun. Archived post. Other Franchises: Indiana Pacers, Indianapolis Colts (five total championships, two Super Bowl victories), Indiana Fever. The two closest teams to Charlotte (Braves & Nats) are both NL, so having a Carolina team be AL only makes sense, 7. ST. PETERSBURG -- Due to damage caused by Hurricane Ian, the Rays will not be able to hold Spring Training in Port Charlotte next year. 2021 Half Street High Heat A Nationals Podcast, Nats Parks New BetMGM Sportsbook is Great. Writers and fans STILL dont have much to talk about right now regarding baseball, but in other news, MLB finally shot down. Click below to sign in. , most notably MLB legend Nolan Ryan and his son Reid, who have both given consideration to pitching the owners on an expansion or relocation to Central Texas. The Rays dropped to 14-1 at home after losing to the Astros. ST. PETERSBURG The Rays on Thursday made official what had seemed likely, that their 2023 spring training camp will be relocated from Port Charlotte due to damage to the facility caused by Hurricane Ian. Maestas talks with SBJs Abe Madkour about the early days of Navigate, which he said he founded with too little knowledge, though good fortune as far as timing made up for my mistakes. Maestas traces his career path and personal development, and highlights the attributes and practices that he believes help make a successful business person and human being. A playoff game. Co-founder and retired executive of the Orlando Magic Pat Williams has made a direct appeal to Rays management about a move to the city of Orlando. PETERSBURG -- Due to damage caused by Hurricane Ian, the Rays will not be able to hold Spring Training in Port Charlotte next year. In 2021, as part of an overall reorganization of minor league baseball, the Rays moved theirClass A-advanced affiliate to South Carolina. out of the belief they could bring an MLB team to the stadium instead. The Tampa Sports Authority had researchers put together a new report on the financials of putting in a new stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays in Ybor City. Relocate to Montreal or Nashville where they can draw fans, same can said for the Marlins, Tampa This was the only city that was going to be number 1. The community is in the thoughts and hearts of the Rays, and the team will continue to support recovery efforts. The broader plan includes about 5,700 housing units -- a large chunk of them to be deemed affordable -- office and retail space, 700 hotel rooms, a 2,500-seat entertainment venue and a new Woodson African American Museum of Florida. Charlotte Sports Park has been Tampa Bays Spring Training home since 2009. Along with other list member Charlotte, Portland was a finalist for the Expos franchise but lost out to Washington. Relocation and contraction are words no fan wants to hear, especially if it involves their beloved team. Where . The Rays have been their prime candidate, considering their desire for a new stadium and less than spectacular attendance figures in Tampa Bay. 1 one month into the season? The Rays could go to North Carolina, continue winning and give sports fans in the state a team they can root for in the postseason, aside from the North Carolina Tar Heels and Duke Blue Devils in the NCAA tournament. City officials decided early on that the city would attempt to attract Major League Baseball. So, even if the Rays do end up making the. Braves brace for spring training push following World Series victory, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. The article I linked mentions how San Antonio is a tad crowded, and that Austin is a government city, and that a better place for a Rays stadium would be in between the cities, in a place like San Marco, or New Braunfels. For more information, please see our Legacy: Charlotte has never been much of a baseball town. The market, fan interest, history, community, and financial backing all exist, making this a great option if theyre willing to have a relocated franchise. How awesome would a brand new baseball stadium look near the Las Vegas strip? Upgrade your subscription to get all the news you need: Adding SBJ weekly content will give you the comprehensive view of sports business with: Adding SBJ daily content will give you the comprehensive view of sports business with: You have 1 All Access article remaining this month. The previously released exhibition schedule is expected to be revised. But the population, mostly consisting of people aged between 20 and 50 and with a solid but still lower-to-middle income, might enjoy a change of sports scenery. If the team were moved to the city in which is takes it name from, would that attendance increase? They have a stadium and entertainment area proposal, a section on the citys baseball history and their Negro League ties, and an entire group of investors. I'd say yes. 2023 Leaders Group. The stadium, where the Rays have conducted Spring Training since 2009, sustained water damage and electrical issues. Wander Franco #5 of the Tampa Bay Rays hits a ground ball in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins during a Grapefruit League spring training game at Charlotte Sports Park on March 29, 2022 in Port Charlotte, Florida. I think MLB view cities like Montreal, Portland, Nashville, Charlotte and possibly Mexico City as possible expansion cities. This was the only city that was going to be number 1. The Rays have not yet finalized their plans for Spring Training, but they are considering a variety of options. According to the Tampa Bay Times, the Rays may have identified a future ballpark location at the recently abandoned K-Force headquarters building on the north side of ongoing redevelopment at. Legacy: The Portland Beavers have been a AAA affiliate (or minor league affiliate in some capacity) since the beginning of the 20th century. Other Franchises: Charlotte Bobcats, Carolina Panthers. Insert the Rays into Memphis, and you have a city on the rise with two very young franchises thriving on the baseball diamond and hardwood. Their attendance matches the teams talent level, and the Bucs have had great success, even before Tom Brady showed up in town. The Rangers and Astros have been centerpieces of MLB for decades. The Trop was built as a hockey arena, and even the Lightning found it wasnt as suitable for it, moving to the Amalie Arena in downtown Tampa. The Raleigh-based Carolina Hurricanes (NHL) have also begun to sputter. Well, until the strike hit anyway). Legacy: Montreal once had the Expos. | Powered By: Web Seo Wiz. Walt Disney World Resort said its looking forward to providing. Pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to Spring Training on Feb. 14, with early arrivals slated for Feb. 6. However, as I just stated, this is geared towards getting a new team. The team is considering several options and hopes to make a decision in the next few weeks. Rays' early-season success leads to attendance bump. Period. If the Rays played their spring training games as well as a portion of the 162-game regular season in Ybor City, the Rays would likely play the same teams they do now. It will be a temporary return of sorts for Spring Training in downtown St. Petersburg, as the Rays played their spring home games at Al Lang Field from 1998-2008 before moving south to Port Charlotte. There are corporate interests, fans to pounce on, and an area that wants baseball. In Charlotte, the team would be missed, Doherty said, but admitted that the loss of the Stone Crabs proved to be a dress rehearsal for that possibility. Charlotte County supports the Rays efforts to secure alternative accommodations for 2023 spring training. They would have a fan base and really wouldnt effect the St.Louis Cardinals. Learn More. While this proposal has some ground, its one that needs to become more concrete, and works better for an expansion franchise. Tampa Bay's success on the field has not translated to putting fans in the stands of Tropicana Field though, which is a big reason why their payroll continues to remain low and will not be doing them any favors as the trade deadline approaches in 2011. PETERSBURG The Rays on Thursday made official what had seemed likely, that their 2023 spring training camp will be relocated from Port Charlotte due to damage to the facility caused by . I need not remind everyone theres no team between Washington, D.C. and Atlanta. NO LEVER LEFT UNPULLED: SPORTS BUSINESS JOURNAL's Erik Bacharach noted the Rays started the season with 13 consecutive wins and the front office pulled all the levers it could to maximize, from a business perspective, the unexpected run of on-field success," including "efforts in ticketing, marketing and fan experience. The Rays relied heavily on their organic communications through social and email to capitalize on the buzz around the team -- especially as it related to ticketing."
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