It’s hard to imagine having a team to root for as good as the Tampa Bay Rays. I have been priveleged as a Reds fan this year, as it would appear they might finally clinch a playoff spot for the first time in 15 years. But having a team like the Rays, who can compete in the toughest division in baseball, would be a real treat to be able to see everyday.
However, it is obvious people in Tampa don’t realize this seeing as how the fans had to be called out by David Price and Evan Longoria after just over 12,000 people showed up for their game last night. But in order to help get people in the seats, Rays ownership has decided to give away 20,000 tickets tomorrow. A stunt that should never have to take place for a team this good.
But with their attendance being almost as low as anyone else in the majors, either people in Florida could really give a f**k about baseball, or there is something wrong with the stadium itself?
My dad lives in Tampa area, and he was able to attend one Rays game this year. When I asked him about the stadium aka “The Trop”, and why people weren’t showing up, he had a very simple answer.
“It’s too f**king cold in there.”
And if this statement doesn’t sum up the mind-set of most people in Tampa, then I don’t know what will. And he isn’t even THAT old.
But that isn’t the only reason for the lack of interest. Not only do a lot of people that live in Florida not grow up there and could give a damn about a somewhat recent expansion team, but watching baseball in a dome would blow. Not only, as my Dad puts it, do they have the AC blasted so high that it turns your lips blue, but baseball is not a game that is meant to be played in doors. I’m not saying it can’t happen (look at what the Twins use to do), but when you add up all the negatives about the location, the venue itself, and the down right lack of interest from people that live in the area, it doesn’t appear baseball will have a long term stay in Tampa.
But hey, if 20,000 free tickets doesn’t fill the seats for at least one night, I would suggest the Rays just pack their bags and move. Although, I’m not sure anyone in Tampa would even notice.
► Read more articles written by atom.
![Seattle Sounders Are Giving Refunds to Fans for Their S**tty Play [MLS]](http://cdn.jockpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/sounders-fan.jpg)
![Ref Slaps Player in Face After Giving Red Card [Video]](http://cdn.jockpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/refslapsplayer.jpg)
6 Responses to “If Giving Away 20K Tickets Doesn’t Work, Then Nothing Will”
Its not cold in there at all, I have been to well over 30 games and never heard this one..
[...] There’s been so much “Seriously guys, where the hell are you?” regarding baseball fans in Florida lately, you don’t really know how to react to what prompted Uggla’s…uh, joke. A ground ball went through Gaby Sanchez and then Dan Uggla’s legs when they were playing the Braves, and… I mean, my god man. No jokes necessary. At least the Rays are literally giving their baseball away. [...]
Yea the cold thing isn’t true….and it’s not Tampa………It’s Saint Petersburg. You are right, people do not like baseball in St. Pete. I lived there 20 years of my life and honestly, the only reason I saw people going is when they did get free tickets or extremely cheap tickets. Football is more important to the area.
I actually agree that the stadium is too cold. But maybe I am just an old man that enjoys his warm weather. (Which is why I moved to Florida in the first place)
I agree though that Football is a much bigger deal in Florida. Always has been, always will be.
my buddy told me yesterday that the stadium is in the middle of no where and like the other guy said, it’s not even in Tampa Bay. still pretty pathetic you can’t pack your stadium for a team that has a great chance to win the World Series.
People don’t come because of the great TV coverage and they are too lazy to make the drive from Brandon. It’s also the economyy…but going to a game can be done cheaply. bring your own water, food. Park free in a Central Avenue neighborhood and hike a few extra blocks.
Never cold in the Trop. The Trop is great! Except for it’s location. Tampa Bay has been 1