It looks like St Pete may be sharing the Devil Rays with Charlotte County, in Southwest Florida. Roxanne and Shannon, be on the lookout. The Devil Rays play in St Pete, and also have done their spring training here. The new owners have really livened up the team, been great corporate citizens, and have finally made the fans feel welcome. Nonetheless, to broaden support for the team, the owners are looking to move spring training south to Charlotte County. We taking big $ here - Charlotte County would be spending $15 million to renovate their stadium in Port Charlotte and the Rays would be contributing another $4 million. Nothings set in stone yet, but it looks like a move in 2009.
I'm willing to share the Rays, but have concerns about what this will mean for our Al Lang Field - oops, Progress Energy Field. Tropicana Field (aka "The Dome") is designed for big crowds, so there are lots of people and seats far from the field. Al Lang Field is a fantastic place to watch spring training. It's small, with shady seats, and a fabulous view of the St. Petersburg waterfront and Tampa Bay. In between innings you can watch the sailboats, with the white sails standing out against the blue water. You can also see the small planes coming in and out of Albert Whitted Airport. You hear the familiar music, get the familiar hot dogs and beer. No huge crowds, just a bunch of locals (and temporary locals). No parking problems - many can just walk back to work or home. Al Lang Field has had spring training for 60 years. What will become of it without a team?
human test? I failed the human test? what is going on here? new rules? oh boy.. I just typed 2 paragraphs and its all gone, deleted. Not too happy right now.
Like I was trying to say: GO DEVIL RAYS, keep beating on the yankees.
but I love my BRAVES!