Bucs consider using Trop to escape heat

© St. Petersburg Times
published August 15, 2002

The Bucs could be coming to the Trop.

For a once-a-week practice, anyway.

Searching for a way to beat the heat, the Bucs have inquired about using Tropicana Field to practice on Fridays during the regular season, believing the air-conditioned dome would help prevent dehydration.

"We're looking at any avenue we can to help our team get ready to play, particularly in the hot weather," coach Jon Gruden said. "It's all speculation right now. We're going to look into just about every possible venue. Anything we can do creatively to manage our team in the heat, that might be an option."

Rick Nafe, Rays vice president of operations/facilities, said his staff is researching the specifics, such as if they can put down football field markings and get them back up for Rays games.

"That's the biggest hurdle we have to get over," Nafe said. "We have to work with the FieldTurf people on that. We should know something by the middle of next week."

Nafe said the Bucs also have asked about using the Trop during inclement weather.