Comments on: I hate baseball, but…

By: Dan

Dan — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 04:36:05 +0000

Great points Art. I’m actually rather shocked to see that there wouldn’t be more support for the budding economy and positive changes that have been happening in the area. Granted, we cling to our roots and protect our historical establishments as best we can when we are discussing new commercial opportunities and economic growth. I’d never want to see my beloved Independent dive. But the benefits of having a real baseball stadium in a thriving area like downtown St. Pete (closer then where it is now) can only be realized when you think of how much closer it would be to the most popular aspects of our night life. In fact, if a place such as this were to be built, I think it would offer an outstanding amount of business near the water.

I might be biased right now. I live a block and a half away from Al Lang and only like The Rays. If you look at the plans for the mixed use development in the area that the dome is in, it might sound more attractive. With the cost of the stadium being split state-wide (and some if it federally actually) I’m having a difficult time looking for a reason to not be in favor of moving the team to the water.

My only issue was that the initial talks explained that the St. Pete Grand Prix, a great source of event revenue, would no longer be able to take place because of the road changes. Now I’m told by friends that they read somewhere that the Grand Prix will still be able to be held? Don’t quote me, but that would be a definite plus.

And if your issues revolve around how poor The Rays have been playing, you might want to take a look at our new lineup and read the guarantee that Maddon has given us regarding a .500 average this year. Everyone wants a team that wins, and I understand how much easier it is to just not like the team because they haven’t done anything special yet. But that doesn’t mean that they won’t turn a profit each season. It can be depressing to see an empty stadium but again, going back to the new stadium, there are plans to build it to a proper estimated game attendance isntead of just filling a dome with seats.

Dan (I’m too tired to proof read all of this and check for spelling and grammar… sorry)

By: Art.Official

Art.Official — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 16:31:39 +0000

Fried Chicken! Yummy!

By: Bob

Bob — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 16:24:03 +0000

Oh, and the Rays said we can have family picnics on the grass when they’re not all using it and stuff.

That ROCKS! Think about it! You can grab a bucket of chicken and some 40s, head over there with a blanket and get it on with the lady while your kids are running around all the seats looking for change.

And it’ll only cost us $450,000,000. Plus parking garages. And rapid transit right of way and buses, a ferry terminal for the Tampons that want to come over, and a new sewage plant out on Albert Whitted… Suddenly we’re much closer to a $Billion.

By: Art.Official

Art.Official — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 23:16:34 +0000

Everyone gets what they want - at someone else’s expense. That’s America.

About the attendance and how it would impact an area only 7 blocks away… Here’s how it works. Currently - You drive to the trop. You park. You go in. See the game. Games over. You go out and get in your car.. and then you drive to your next destination. As Autopsy pointed out.. really the only thing to do is walk over to Ferg’s. Ferg’s? Hang on, I just threw up a little in my mouth. and.. then had a vision of the T-Shirt… “Save Ferg’s – Vote NO on 3″

Now…. think about a stadium on the water. What will all those people do before and after games? They’ll be walking around.. spending more time in the city… spending more money downtown. Now…Imagine you own a shop, cafe, club etc… Would you want to be 7 blocks away from 10,000 plus potential customers? or would you rather have them walking right by your front door? Think about that – and then think about how there are over 80 home games each season.

So if you think 7 blocks doesn’t make a difference… don’t ever open a business. Cause it’s all about location.

By: Kellie B

Kellie B — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 21:32:54 +0000

The fix is in.
The council is paid off.
The Mayor has something deposited somewhere to his benefit
The Rays will get what they want at the expense of the schmoes who live there.
Is this a great country or what?

By: Casey

Casey — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 21:29:30 +0000

Autopsy makes a good point, check out the stats over the years - totally kickass when the stadium was new, then they sink like a rock with a slight upswing in the last few years. Also, remember that at 6 pm this Thursday is the Rays Project Public Hearing, should be quite interesting. Theoretically you can watch it here.

By: Art.Official

Art.Official — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 21:01:45 +0000

I agree, an empty lot would be a disaster. And you’re right, just cause they say it… doesn’t mean they’ll do it. I have doubts as well, but, I also have some optimism for what it could mean… if done properly.

By: Rabi

Rabi — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 20:45:21 +0000

Oh no, I don’t oppose Crate & Barrel. Maybe “a bubbling ooze” was poor choice of words. I want guaruntees that retail, or commercial business will show up once the Trop is demo’ed. Just because the Rays say it will happen, doesn’t mean it will.

The last thing I want it an empty lot where the Trop was and a compete parking clusterfuck downtown. I would wholly welcome an upscale retail center and support the new stadium if the developers where lined up. But, in this real estate market, I have serious doubts.

By: Art.Official

Art.Official — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 20:11:08 +0000

The current stadium was a huge blunder. The city made a mistake putting it where it is. They made false forecasts of the city’s future and growth. Now they’re are trying to correct all those mistakes made years ago. Their plan to extend the city beyond MLK backfired. So, ok, downtown is doing well. But not great. Rabi, you seem happy with what Baywalk and publix did for downtown… yet opposed to a “crate & barrel” that would ooze up from the stadiums wake. Dude! they’re the same thing. How can you praise one and blast the other??

On the last few posts… The best thing about a waterfront stadium would be increased foot traffic. We need more people walking downtown. The place is dead! People on the streets is good for business. Ask any downtown biz. It’s all about foot traffic.

By: Autopsy IV

Autopsy IV — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 20:02:03 +0000

didn’t Fergs start because of the Ray’s?
I could be totally wrong on that.

However, how would a 7 block move translate to more money for downtown? A new stadium will only attract more people for a small period of time. 1/2 through it’s first season it would be back to 4000 people unless the Yankees or Red Sox are in town.

The new stadium plans are beautiful though.