Archived post. The Rays easy solution to fixing their money and attendance problems is to simply move north to Tampa. I'd say yes. They had 35 years with very little success (one NLCS appearance and the best record in baseball in 1994. There isnt really an issue with this proposal. The 2020 season was cancelled because of COVID-19 pandemic concerns. Theres also the fact that the Rays would have nowhere to play until they move, which sours the idea of an immediate relocation. Not to mention that the Triple-A Charlotte Knights get pretty good attendance, at least when COVID isnt affecting their numbers. 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. Tampa Bay's Major League operations will move from the Walt Disney World Resort to Tropicana Field at the beginning of March, and the Rays will play the remainder of their spring home games at the Trop. There has been discussion from some investors. 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. 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. 1. Rays' early-season success leads to attendance bump. They get corporate interest, the same attendance as the other two Tampa-based teams, more fan interest, and more money to work with. Meanwhile, the Rays couldnt fill their stadium during a playoff game. The Rays have arguably the best bullpen in the big leagues. Guerra isn't exactly a . Rays' Franco Wanders into Left Field to Make Stunning Barehanded Catch Attendance is always low. They would have a fan base and really wouldnt effect the St.Louis Cardinals. Tampa Bay Rays moving spring training site due to hurricane damage. 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. Tampa residents Dennis Gallagher and his daughter Kate wait for the start of the Tampa Bay Rays final home spring training game last season. The Rays dropped to 14-1 . Baseball Legacy: Tampa and its bay area is, of course, a major player in the MLB spring training. However, if they were to bite the bullet and go to North Carolina, theres definitely reasons to believe they can succeed. Imagine converting one-fourth of that 100,000 television audience to home games live. 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. Tampa Bay Rays will use Disney, Tropicana Field as temporary spring ST. PETERSBURG -- Due to damage caused by Hurricane Ian, the Rays will not be able to hold Spring Training in Port Charlotte next year. Portland folk love to rival up against their northern state rivals and a MLB showdown 10 to 15 times a year would get the fans raring to go. There is also an established baseball tradition in Omaha with the College World Series played there every year. The downsides of this proposal are apparent. 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. St. Petersburg is a hike from Tampa, and most of the ways to get between the two cities are clogged during weekday rush hour. I need not remind everyone theres no team between Washington, D.C. and Atlanta. The market, fan interest, history, community, and financial backing all exist, making this a great option if theyre willing to have a relocated franchise. The Rays and Charlotte County announced the decision in a joint statement on Thursday night. There are corporate interests, fans to pounce on, and an area that wants baseball. But This is What You Should Have Expected, Mocking the Nationals Offseason, Early Postseason Edition, Mr. Soto or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Washington Nationals, Nats Prospects or: The Art of Tempering Expectations. The community is in the thoughts and hearts of the Rays, and the team will continue to support recovery efforts. The decision affects both the major league and minor league camps. 2021 Half Street High Heat A Nationals Podcast, Nats Parks New BetMGM Sportsbook is Great. Tampa Bays Major League operations will move from the Walt Disney World Resort to Tropicana Field at the beginning of March, and the Rays will play the remainder of their spring home games at the Trop. Pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to Spring Training on Feb. 14, with early arrivals slated for Feb. 6. Their attendance matches the teams talent level, and the Bucs have had great success, even before Tom Brady showed up in town. Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. 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. Tampa Bay Rays will use Disney, Tropicana Field as temporary spring training locations. Period. He also knows a thing or two about the Athletics, the MLB franchise that the Raiders . Column: Another domino falls on road to MLB expansion "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. Why are the Rays in St Pete? The Rays and Charlotte County announced the decision in a joint statement on Thursday night. 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. So, even if the Rays do end up making the. So would bringing a team back there make sense? 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. With Charlotte Sports Park damaged from Hurricane Ian, the Tampa Bay Rays will be on the move when Spring Training 2023 arrives. Walt Disney World Resort said its looking forward to providing. 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). 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).