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Rays: Waterfront site could outdraw Trop
The proposed new stadium could entice new events, a team official says.
By CRISTINA SILVA, Times Staff Writer
Published December 9, 2007
ST. PETERSBURG - A proposed baseball stadium at Al Lang Field could potentially host more events than Tropicana Field, despite its smaller size, Rays officials said. The proposed 34,000-seat, $450-million open-air stadium would hug Tampa Bay, offering prospective event organizers an enticing view, Rays senior vice president Michael Kalt said in an interview Thursday. "We think we would probably be able to get some new events in there as a result of being on the waterfront," he said. When it comes to size, no other venue in Pinellas County compares to the 40,000-seat Tropicana Field. In St. Petersburg, the Palladium and the Coliseum aren't even half as large. In Clearwater, Ruth Eckerd Hall seats 2,180. In the past year alone, Tropicana Field has hosted the Abilities Wine & Food Festival, the Tampa Bay Home Expo and the Bands of America Regional Championship, among other events. "Events during the summer might present a challenge because of the heat," Kalt said. "But at the very least, we expect to do pretty much all the events that we do right now." Cristina Silva can be reached at 727 893-8846 or csilva@sptimes.com.
[Last modified December 8, 2007, 23:32:50]
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by Mark
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12/11/07 07:10 PM
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They have the nerve to ask for cash for the worst team in baseball. This decision is a no brainer. NOPE Stay in the TROP. Watch folks these guys will pull off some back door deal with our officials. After the deal all should take polygraph tests.
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by Bill
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12/11/07 05:34 PM
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You already have the Pier and surrounding parks for outdoor events and if you have something in the ball park, you need to be paying attention to that...not the view. That area is already too congested and short of parking. Revamp the trop and stay.
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by Dave
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12/11/07 09:16 AM
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Al Lang Field in its present condition could indeed outdraw the "Trop." I understand Al Lang can seat 7,000!
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by Kay
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12/10/07 02:43 PM
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Dr Dug, I was actually thinking of a ferris wheel - really high to get a one of a kind view. Other than that, no "open" anything! My family does no outdoor events during summer months and there are others like us. lots. I miss gateway and parkside.
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by christina
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12/10/07 10:38 AM
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all speculation on the writers part,people do not want to be hot ,in the rain and lighning in the middle of the summer.sure the view would be great,but how about they enclose the whole thing in a bioshere bubble,that would be cool!!!
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by Dr_Dug
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12/09/07 09:01 PM
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How about a unique style shopping mall with a circus/fair type open center. People could shop while children rode the rides.It would be one of a kind and put St.Pete on the map for unique design and "open fun shopping".
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by Paul
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12/09/07 06:21 PM
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Wow, a new place for events downtown. Because afterall, we're so short on park space, and there's just never anything going on like Ribfest, St Anthony's triathlon, concerts, and such already. Vote NO to this ripoff idea and cut my dang taxes NOW!
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by Bland
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12/09/07 10:42 AM
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Tbe way to have a larger draw for the Rays is for them to start being more compeditive and win more games. Suggest they invest more in the team payroll and less on the stadium. Thay will fill any stadium.
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by TOM
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12/09/07 08:50 AM
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No way I want to sit for hours in hot, muggy and buggy weather in summer and watch something or a cold windy cloudy day in winter.
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by DAVE
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12/09/07 08:20 AM
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The new complex might draw 7,000 fans compared to 6,000 in the Trop!
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by Pete
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12/09/07 07:37 AM
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Keep the Dome and rebuild around it, so you can use it for concerts, shows etc. if you tear it down there goes the room for progress
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