Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. A spokesman for Tampa Mayor Jane Castor declined to comment as well, noting that the city would not be involved in that concept. As a matter of fact, there were some in Charlotte that did not want to give the Knights a new stadium out of the belief they could bring an MLB team to the stadium instead. "Following a joint assessment of the . All rights reserved. Analysis: Baseball can work in Texas. Then they lost them. Oh, and they have been doing all this while remaining in the bottom third of the MLB's payroll rankings. Related: Braves brace for spring training push following World Series victory. Population: 676,640 (19th among U.S. cities), Other Professional Sports Teams in the City: Memphis Grizzlies. It would work out, believe me it will. Pat Williams has made a direct appeal to Rays management about a move to the city of Orlando. So getting people to go to games wouldn't be a problem (and heck, out of 1.3 million people, someone has to like baseball there, right?). 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. 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. They also need a home for their minor-league teams to train. . 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. 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. Floridians dont care about baseball as much hence Florida Marlins. The storm struck the southwest coast of Florida and slowly moved across the state. Keep in mind I mostly avoided cities that were too far away from St. Petersburg, because many of those scenarios are far-fetched, and it seems like the Athletics are moving to Vegas anyway, with other Western cities like Portland and Vancouver being expansion options. Divisions will stay the same, because the move from Tampa to Charlotte keeps the team on the East coast no rearranging of divisions would be necessary, 6. Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred said last year that there is a "sense of urgency" for the Rays to resolve their stadium issue and that MLB wants the team to remain in the Tampa Bay area. "It's not just for a ballgame but an entire experience.". On that historic night, there were only over 12,000 fans at the ballpark and, from my point of view, a lot of them were Orioles fans. The Toronto Blue Jays will now play the Rays at Tropicana Field on that date. Baseball Legacy: Tampa and its bay area is, of course, a major player in the MLB spring training. Montreal was viable once so, of course, it can be again and the Blue Jays, through thick and thin, have stuck around. 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 . We are thankful for Disneys willingness and ability to accommodate our unexpected Spring Training needs, Rays president Matt Silverman said in a statement. 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. '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. one for each of the times a baseball flew into the Tropicana catwalks during the postseason over the years. Sign up for the Rays Report weekly newsletter to get fresh perspectives on the Tampa Bay Rays and the rest of the majors from sports columnist John Romano. Because they play somewhere accessible for the greater Tampa Bay area. But while sports is a passion for most of us, for the select few who own and operate a sports franchise, it is a stressful business, and sometimes the product has to go where a demanding market wants it. Charlotte Sports Park has been Tampa Bay's Spring Training home since 2009. Theres also the fact that the Rays would have nowhere to play until they move, which sours the idea of an immediate relocation. However, as a former resident, I will add that even during the WORST of times with both the Bucs and Lightning, there were very dedicated fans that came). All rights reserved. Legacy: San Antonio is known as a basketball town with the two major franchises being the NBA and the WNBA. Support local journalism with a digital subscription to the Herald-Tribune. Charlotte is a fast growing city, and theres tons of potential in every way. With Charlotte Sports Park damaged from Hurricane Ian, the Tampa Bay Rays will be on the move when Spring Training 2023 arrives. After Tampa was awarded the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tampa Bay Rowdies in the 1970s, St. Petersburg decided it wanted a share of the professional sports scene in Tampa Bay. Other Franchises: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (average attendance: 49,000-plus; one championship), Tampa Bay Lightning (average attendance: 17,000-plus; one championship). But the infrastructure is there, in case the idea is ever there. 2023, Charter Communications, all rights reserved. 4.26.2023. There has been discussion from some investors, 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 multifield complex will give the Rays the space they need for their Spring Training workouts. 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. All rights reserved.The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Leaders Group. The city has experimented with five different minor league baseball teams since 1903 with limited success. Because they play somewhere accessible for the greater Tampa Bay area. Support local journalism with a digital subscription to the Herald-Tribune. ", Plan outlined for new Rays park, redevelopment, Harper may return Tue., 160 days post-TJ surgery, Rangers ace deGrom 'frustrated' to land on IL, Twins will shut P Mahle down for at least 4 weeks, Cards broadcaster, 2-time champ Shannon dies, Giants' Yastrzemski (hamstring) likely IL-bound, Yankees to evaluate Judge's hip strain Monday, Mexico City's uphill climb toward landing an MLB franchise. Meanwhile, the Rays couldnt fill their stadium during a playoff game. Not much has changed in Tampa Bay this year either. Wed be very sad to see them go. This is the ONLY place the Rays need to go. Other Franchises: No major sport franchises. Nashville's pursuit of an MLB franchise might be gaining steam, if a Tampa City Council member is to be believed. There have also been professional leagues but, if substantial, it was back in the 19th century. On a personal note, I am a Rays fan living outside of Florida (though born and raised in Tampa, represent!) That means Tampa Bay is on deck and better step up to plate or the red-hot Rays will someday soon be announcing a move to Nashville, Charlotte, Montreal or some other baseball-hungry city. 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. Same goes for the Colts. 1? Danny - Nationals Lead Writer: @Nats_Baseball, Matt - Nationals Lead Writer: @HolleranMDH, 2021 Half Street High Heat A Nationals Podcast . The Rays have arguably the best bullpen in the big leagues. Like Indy, I find the market perfect due to the population numbers and lack of in-city competition during the high-ratings portions of the leagues but see the fan expectations as an issue. Not to mention a name change the Rays would have to do, to something like the Stars or Outlaws. 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. Not only is it the most reasonable, but it is the most likely, at least in my opinion. One thing I can say is that Portland folks are extremely outgoing and very loyal. Hartford hasn't really experimented in any of the other major American sports and when they lost the Whalers, they lost all access to major sports. Not to mention that the, Triple-A Charlotte Knights get pretty good attendance, , at least when COVID isnt affecting their numbers. But appearances can be deceiving, and there's . The Rays and Charlotte County intend to develop a restoration plan for Charlotte Sports Park in the coming weeks.. 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. A city that has history rooting for other teams would find it more appealing to take the time to build a stadium for an original team and to start new than bring in a franchise that already has 20+ years of history in another state. 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. However, at its closest, St. Pete is six to eight miles from the city of Tampa and much, much farther coming from surrounding suburbs. 1:50. The Rays and Braves played the first game ever at CoolToday Park, to close out the 2019 spring training schedule. It has had a AA and AAA squad (the current incarnation is the Charlotte Knights, who are the White Sox affiliate), but most professional sports have been basketball (the former Hornets and now the Bobcats) and football (the Panthers, who despite varied success, average in the top 10 in attendance). The Rays will move operations from Disney to Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg at the beginning of March for the rest of Spring Training. Access to easy-to-read digital editions of weekly issues. The Rays will operate their big league camp at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex from then until March 1. Period. Period. The Spurs were consistently in the top half of the NBA in attendance pre-pandemic, showing that San Antonio can gather fan interest, while Austin would be a fun experiment. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Leaders Group. The community is in the thoughts and hearts of the Rays, and the team will continue to support recovery efforts. They have a temporary stadium that could possibly be upgraded. St. Petersburg is a hike from Tampa, and most of the ways to get between the two cities are clogged during weekday rush hour. But, lets say the Rays come to town. 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. 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. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) The Tampa Bay Rays are relocating their spring base for 2023 due to extensive damage to team training facilities caused by Hurricane Ian. Among the 14 AL teams, the Rays have not finished any higher then ninth in attendance since 2007 and finished 12th the year of their World Series run. 49 print issues delivered to your home or office. Pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to Spring Training on Feb. 14, with early arrivals slated for Feb. 6. Download our app, Charlotte Sports Park damaged due to Hurricane Ian, opening spring at Disneys ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Charlotte Sports Park sustained water and electrical damage, Rays updated Sprint Training schedule released, Ticket information for the Rays Spring Training games, California Consumer Limit the Use of My Sensitive Personal Information, California Consumer Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Rays to open Spring Traiing 2023 at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex, Rays beging Spring Training Feb. 14; will move operations to Tropicana Field March 1 and play games at Tropicana Field. And any time a team threatens or considers folding, Portland is in the cards. 4/24/2023 - Tampa Bay Rays amplify the wave to capitalize on record-tying start, SBJ Spotlight: Rich McKay of AMB Sports and Entertainment, Anquan Boldin on how the Players Coalition continues to fight for social justice, Jalen Rose on being a business-minded athlete, and why NIL is good for college players, Bill Simmons on the creation of ESPNs 30 for 30 documentaries. It should be noted though that MLB had Charlotte as a finalist for the Expos franchise when relocation was being considered (and eventually acted on). 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 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. Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. For more information, please see our With CBA negotiations becoming even more tense, it now looks like the MLB season will not start on time, with Spring Training at the bare minimum being pushed back. They had 35 years with very little success (one NLCS appearance and the best record in baseball in 1994. However, as I just stated, this is geared towards getting a new team. A playoff game. Tampa Bay Rays moving spring training site due to hurricane damage. With two major franchises already in tow, one being the Bobcats with an owner in Michael Jordan, and the Panthers, who have had their share of regular season and playoff success, the idea of a MLB team in the city doesn't seem outlandish. However, as I just stated, this is geared towards getting a new team. Well see, he added. The Rays will operate their big league camp at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex from then until March 1. The Indiana Pacers are floundering at the moment, which would provide the Rays with an opening to win over the Indianapolis fanbase. 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. 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. While this proposal has some ground, its one that needs to become more concrete, and works better for an expansion franchise. The move to Central Florida comes after the team's facilities in Port Charlotte were damaged by Hurricane Ian back in September. While this proposal has some ground, its one that needs to become more concrete, and works better for an expansion franchise. Lets give Tennessee its own team instead. Ticket information for the Rays Spring Training games will be released in January. Maestas, a member of Sports Business Journals Forty Under 40 class of 2015. The Tampa Bay Rays have baseball's best offense, . Charlotte County spokesman Brian Gleason said via email that Charlotte County has enjoyed partnering with the Tampa Bay Rays on their spring training camp and player development program since 2009. NEXT IN LINE: In Orlando, Mike Bianchi writes Tampa Bay civic leaders are "on the clock and it is ticking ever so loudly on your status as a Major League Baseball area. As the situation in Oakland was resolved just a few days ago when the As announced they purchased land in Las Vegas to build a ballpark, Tampa Bay is on deck and better step up to plate or the red-hot Rays will someday soon be announcing a move to Nashville, Charlotte, Montreal or some other baseball-hungry city (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 4/26). Welch, who is St. Petersburg's first Black mayor, emphasized that a key goal is to restore a majority Black neighborhood known as the Gas Plant District that was ousted by the stadium and a highway. The Carolina Panthers are in the middle of a down phase and may not be winners again for quite some time. I was at the infamous David Price Tweet game last year when the Rays had a chance to clinch a playoff spot against the Orioles. Charlotte is a great city that baseball should look to expand to, but for the Rays, its not the right option. Renderings indicate the old stadium would be demolished. There is an obvious solution as to where . 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." The Rays and Charlotte County intend to develop a restoration plan for Charlotte Sports Park in the coming weeks.. It time to move on to more deserving cities. He also knows a thing or two about the Athletics, the MLB franchise that the Raiders . The city of Omaha has also risen in the population rankings from 47th to 40th since 1990, which indicates a growing interest in the area and perhaps a growing fanbase if the trend continues. Tampa, while a great city, is not exactly a great sports town, even during the best of times (the Bucs and Lightning have won championships but consistent attendance is a problem. Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. Other Franchises: Indiana Pacers, Indianapolis Colts (five total championships, two Super Bowl victories), Indiana Fever. The 2023 Tampa Bay Rays season is the 26th season of the Tampa Bay Rays franchise and their 16th as the Rays. There are corporate interests, fans to pounce on, and an area that wants baseball. Locally, the Pittsburgh Pirates host spring training at LECOM Park at 1611 9th Street W., Bradenton, but the minor leaguers train a few miles east at Pirate City. out of the belief they could bring an MLB team to the stadium instead. 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. Is it reasonable to assume 15 to 30 percent of the entire city would go to a baseball game. The Rays are locked into a lease at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg through 2027, while the lease for spring training in Port Charlotte runs through 2028. 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 Rays use the facility on a year-round basis for extended spring training, complex and instructional league play, and mini-camps. The Rays also have history at The Stadium, formerly known as Champion Stadium. Two proposals shepherded by the previous mayor were scrapped last year by Welch, who sought to focus more on affordable housing and job opportunities at the Gas Plant District. The Raleigh-based Carolina Hurricanes (NHL) have also begun to sputter. Welch said the plan should keep the Rays in St. Petersburg for the long term. 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. MLB Power Rankings: Who's No. When the Athletics tidy up the multi-billion-dollar details in Sin City, where they're expected to reside by the 2027 season if not sooner, a new stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays will be the last . San Antonio, despite immense basketball success, is considered small market. Relocation and contraction are words no fan wants to hear, especially if it involves their beloved team. That's an extra 25,000 and a total attendance of 43,000-plus. 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, which first hosted the Rays in 2009, followinga $28 million renovation. 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. The 2020 season was cancelled because of COVID-19 pandemic concerns. "This selection validates all the hard work," Auld said. The Rays Minor League camp will be based out of the Disney complex throughout Spring Training. 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. 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). Pacers fans are immensely loyal and, regardless of talent or win totals, it always seems the Pacers are blue collar and supported as such. The Rays followed up their Cinderella season by winning 84 games in 2009 and finishing third in the AL East, which was nothing short of remarkable considering they lost 101 games in 2006. Analysis: I'm not joking when I put this as my choice. MLB is a significant step closer to expansion, which will bring two more franchises into the big leagues while also necessitating the creation of eight new minor-league teams around the country. "This team is the best partner for this generational endeavor, and now the next phase of work begins to bring this dream to reality for everyone in St. Petersburg," Welch said in a speech on the steps of City Hall. Perhaps not. The market, fan interest, history, community, and financial backing all exist, making this a great option if theyre willing to have a relocated franchise. A news outlet reported in August of 2010 that Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman is actively pursuing a professional baseball team for the city. The Spurs have been world class forwellever it seems. Imagine converting one-fourth of that 100,000 television audience to home games live. In 2018, he listed Nashville, along with Las Vegas, Charlotte, Montreal, Portland and Vancouver as potential . Rays have the second-lowest average attendance in the MLB, only second to their in state counterparts, Speaking of the Marlins, Florida will still have a team so it wont be like Florida is completely isolated from Baseball, The Marlins have a brand spanking new stadium, wheras the Rays are in need of a new home anyway with their stadium being 29 years old, 4. With the Athletics buying land for a new stadium in . Move the Tampa Rays to Memphis. Population:709,441 (18th among U.S. cities), Other Professional Teams in the City: Carolina Panthers. We are all disappointed for the residents of Charlotte County and the fans there. The previously released exhibition schedule is expected to be revised. The Montreal thing has come up a number of times the past few years. The Rays have trained in Port Charlotte, which is about 90 minutes south of St. Petersburg, since 2009. Its definitely still a possibility and a good idea at that. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- A new ballpark for the Tampa Bay Rays will be built near the current one under plans unveiled Monday as part of a massive redevelopment project that also includes affordable housing, office space and retail in what was once a thriving Black neighborhood. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/G. This was the only city that was going to be number 1. The Grizzlies were 27th in NBA attendance, but this is largely due to their struggles during the regular season. Tampa Bay Rays. So while baseball might take some getting used to, Indianapolis is fond of many sports and has the population to support it. Find out what works well at Tampa Bay Rays from the people who know best. Tampa Bay Rays moving spring training site due to hurricane damage Skip to main content Skip to navigation > ESPN Search You have come to the ESPN Africa edition, for other ESPN editions,. It will be a temporary return of sorts for Spring Training in downtown St. Petersburg -- the Rays played their spring home games at Al Lang Field from 1998-2008 before moving south to Port Charlotte. 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. So is it their time yet? 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. 5. Daily updates aggregating the stories and spin from more than 600 outlets across the globe. 1 spring training destination by the readers of USA Today and 10Best.