The St. Pete Times reported this morning in a short blurb on the cover of their print sports section that the D-Rays are sending out feelers for what fans would want in a new ballpark and where. Among some of the questions that are asked, reportedly, are about location (all locations provided keep the team in Pinellas County and close or in St. Petersburg), roof structures (retractable, partial or open-air) and other such things that this blogger does not know about at this time. There were also questions about improvements to Tropicana Field.
The questionnaire was sent to select residents and select season ticket holders. There was nothing provided about the method of selection or what not.
Tropicana Field is 16 years old, the stadium design itself was a relic of the 1970’s to keep the building energy efficient. The location of the stadium (downtown St. Petersburg) and it’s design have been debated and put into question time and time again over the course of the Rays existence. I found it interesting that of the sites offered in discussing a possible new venue — Tampa was not a choice location. Gateway (Mid Pinellas, a suburban corporate office area), the St. Petersburg waterfront and the current location were the choices provided (meaning the Tropicana Field parking lot).
The Rays have no hope for a new venue as long as the team stays as pathetic as they have been since their inception. It’s just noteworthy the team is putting it’s toe in the pool regarding the stadium situation.
