Writers and fans STILL dont have much to talk about right now regarding baseball, but in other news, MLB finally shot down the Tampa Bay Rays ridiculous plan to split their season between the Tampa area and Montreal. They have a temporary stadium that could possibly be upgraded. Walt Disney World cast members and Marine representatives helped spread some extra holiday magic to hundreds of families over the weekend. Sternberg said the Rays are working to find that next solution. There would therefore be room for a ball team in this city located barely two hours by road from St-Petersburg. With CBA negotiations becoming even more tense, it now looks like the MLB season will not start on time, with Spring Training at the bare minimum being pushed back. The four-day Grand Prix of St. Petersburg starts today, The 2023 Gasparilla Festival of the Arts is this weekend in downtown Tampa, Tampa Bay beaches ranked among Tripadvisor's 'Best Beaches' of 2023, Jane Goodalls Tampa Theatre talk sold out quickly, but select students can earn free tickets to get in, Tampa Zine Fest returns to Seminole Heights this weekend, St. Pete's 'Lift Every Voice' new play festival runs through Sunday at the James, Two Dykes and a Mic podcast tapes live in St. Pete on Friday, Photo By Casey Brooke Lawson/Tampa Bay Vipers, Scroll to read more Sports & Recreation articles. Required fields are marked *. This is all speculation, as the XFL has yet to release any official statements on what will happen with the XFL restart. Should Polk play ball to get new Tampa Bay Rays stadium built here? . Additionally, I wouldnt want to try to compete with Texas Football during the fall, which is another reason to keep out of Austin. This would obviously make the whole idea of moving the Vipers to Orlando pointless for 2021, but the concept could be explored if the XFL enjoys enough success to have a 2022 season. Europe Culture Much like the last two cities on this list, Nashville would be better off receiving an expansion franchise than sorting through recruiting the Rays. At the time I had asked (for reasons for the Montreal vote), it was, just a decision by the executive council, and it remains the same, principal owner Stuart Sternberg said Wednesday at the meetings hotel. Mike Bianchi, columnist at the Orlando Sentinel, came up with an unusual suggestion. The Tampa Bay Rays Are Not Moving To Montreal Anytime Soon - Forbes 1:50. I would not want it to be off i4 as its just horrendous as is. College kids don't even go to their own college baseball games that they can go to for free. There have been a lot of different ideas floated around, including having a bubble city to host all the games, similar to what the NBA and NHL have done. Are Tampa Bay Rays Moving? - Go Explore Florida St. Petersburg simply isnt big enough to support a major league team, he said. We feel that the Rays need not look to Montreal, need not look to a split season 41 here and 41 somewhere else, Williams told the Times this week. Subscribe now to get the latest news delivered right to your inbox. Tampa Bay Rays to use Orlando's Disney World as home for upcoming Disney World visitors would pounce on the opportunity for other entertainment, similar to how the Golden Knights of the NHL built up their attendance by pouncing on bored Vegas visitors who had run out of shows to see and money to gamble away. As part of the agreement, the Rays players and coaches will work out at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex beginning Feb 6. So yes, these options are regional. investment I need as much of it as I can right now lol. [TRENDING: Food Network star Guy Fieri delivers tasty Christmas gift to Ocala police | Winter is coming: Rain in Central Florida ahead of Arctic blast | Become a News 6 Insider], We are thankful for Disneys willingness and ability to accommodate our unexpected Spring Training needs, Rays team president Matt Silverman said. The fact is the Rays have been trying to . League officials gave no reasons at the time, which surprised the Rays as they had been given permission in June 2019 to explore the plan and expected the go-ahead to try to make it work. entertainment Major League Baseball has refused to give ownership permission to explore their dual city plan, with the team playing half the season in the Tampa Bay area and the other half in Montreal. Move the Tampa Rays to Memphis. We know theyve been working hard on the effort, and were excited to see what they put together. A playoff game. Walt Disney World on Tuesday announced it has come to an agreement with the Tampa Bay Rays to host the teams spring training at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. A summary report from the Tampa Sports Authority, Sign up for the Rays Report weekly newsletter, Former Devil Ray Gerald Williams dies of cancer. PETERSBURG, Fla. The Tampa Bay Rays are relocating their spring base for 2023 due to extensive damage to team training facilities caused by Hurricane Ian. I decided to list 5 cities, one for each of the times a baseball flew into the Tropicana catwalks during the postseason over the years. So it's really not driving the conversation, but it's certainly an important element.". The removal of these seating options give a better optical illusion for TV, but it's weird at a game. Read: Terry Hall, lead singer of ska band The Specials, dies at 63. ORLANDO, Fla. Major League Baseball is coming back to Walt Disney World Resort in 2023. If people can afford a family trip to Disney, they can spend a few extra bucks to see Mike Trout perform. The move to Central Florida comes after the teams facilities in Port Charlotte were damaged by Hurricane Ian back in September. Either way, well get to see the Vipers go 2-10 and disappoint us all over again. With the Reams lease at the Trop ending in 2027, Williams pitched to the team in 2020 an entire proposal fleshed out for a Rays move, including a $1.2 billion dollar stadium, corporate sponsorships and possible support from Disney, and the numbers, that show how Orange County collects triple the tourist taxes of Pinellas and Hillsborough, where St. Petersburg and Tampa sit, respectively. Aside from a brief flash of greatness from 2006 through 2013, the Tampa Bay Rays have been a sad baseball team playing in the dumpy ballpark in the middle of nowhere. The Rays were left looking for training facilities after their regular spring training home Charlotte Sports Park was damaged by Hurricane Ian. No more wholesale sports welfare. The Tampa Bay Rays are less than two months away from Opening Day. Columnist John Romano will send the latest Rays insights and analysis to keep you updated weekly during the season. Tampa wouldnt really be losing the Rays, Williams insisted. And he's made that pitch to team . The Bucs are heavily targeting tight ends at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. Its definitely still a possibility and a good idea at that. Were always looking for top-tier events like the Rays spring training for our guests to enjoy at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Kelly said. Co-founder and retired executive of the Orlando Magic Pat Williams has made a direct appeal to Rays management about a move to the city of Orlando. Every little bit helps. Support local journalism in these crazy days. Charlotte is a fast growing city, and theres tons of potential in every way. With a plan to play part of the season in Montreal scrapped, the Tampa Bay Rays are reportedly shifting from a plan for a modest Ybor City facility to a larger, domed ballpark that will serve as year-round home for the MLB team. That change happened after the 2007 season. Tampa Bay Rays | History & Notable Players | Britannica Commentators and fans wondered how a franchise in Orlando was a viable option. TE Prospects On Bucs' Radar Dream Of Coming To Tampa By One possibility under consideration is for the team to move to land on the western edge of Tampa's Ybor City, space formerly occupied by Kforce headquarters, the Tampa Bay Times reported. Williams also said the Tampa Bay area is too fragmented by geography and politics to make up for St. Petersburgs weaknesses. The cheapest way to get from Orlando to Tampa Bay costs only $26, and the quickest way takes just 4 hours. Breaking news The Masters is keeping its criteria the same for next year. Lets be real. I get the sense theyre more like hissing cousins, Williams said. Globe Life Field is home to the Texas Rangers and opened in the year 2020. it has a retro modern Construction complete with a retractable roof and artificial turf. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Rays owner, Tampa mayor meet to discuss moving team across bay The Rays should invest in Central Florida - DRaysBay Regardless of which city the Vipers play in, they would be smart to look into hiring Spurrier. Learn how your comment data is processed. It was the . I need not remind everyone theres no team between Washington, D.C. and Atlanta. According to the Southern League's website, the move to Walt Disney . 2023 Cox Media Group. Answer (1 of 14): I wish the Rays would stay in Tampa and build a new stadium around Ybor City. Alas, it was voted down (again) early this year. "This is unnatural," Rays president Matt Silverman said. City-Data Forum > U.S. Forums > Florida > Orlando: Tampa Bay Rays move to Orlando? economy I think MLB view cities like Montreal, Portland, Nashville, Charlotte and possibly Mexico City as possible expansion cities. Timeline: Tropicana Field and the Rays' future in Tampa Bay Letsgetstarted. The Rays announced during a press conference on Friday that they officially intend to move the team from their current St. Petersburg location to Ybor City, a neighborhood in Tampa, and shed the . Your email address will not be published. Re: Orlando To Tampa Bay Rays. Tampa Bay Rays Moving to Southern Connecticut or New Jersey? 5 Potential Relocation Spots For Rays - Half Street High Heat | A What about the Rays?. Then the political people rise up and we will hear from them, he said. "I made a big mistake, a real mistake, in trying to promote our sister-city plan with a . Im glad people are interested and excited. Im still new to the YouTube game, so Im trying to work on limiting the errors. A move to either Seattle or Milwaukee was also discussed. You know youd rather not sit in i4 traffic. The Tampa Bay Rays have submitted a proposal to build a new domed ballpark near the site of the Major League Baseball (MLB) franchises current Tropicana Field home in St Petersburg, Florida. The Rays previous plans for a new stadium have been shot down as the city and team could not agree on funding and which side should pay how much. Nashvilles high interest makes them the most attractive of the out of state relocation options, but again, a desire for a new team and a lack of a temporary stadium make this difficult when they collide with the Rays lengthy lease and their TV deals in Florida. COVID-19 Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. if Tampa Rays move --Tampa will sink into the gulf - they have threatened for years and the area- wont pay for the luxury stadium- 12-06-2016, 01:28 PM . We are thankful for Disneys willingness and ability to accommodate our unexpected spring training needs, Silverman said. And, quite frankly, a bit surprised at what happened, as we were. The . While she . It is even to believe that the upper echelons of the MLB do not know it either with the few information that it is possible to obtain here and there! Were always looking for top tier events, like the Rays spring training for our guests to enjoy at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.. Tampa Bay Rays dump Astros to move one . The location in St Pete makes attendance for the Rays suffer because the distance from Tampa and northern suburbs is a challenge on 275 most weekdays. Now, Williams is confident that Orlando can lure the Rays to a brand new ballpark ready for the first pitch of the 2028 season. Floridas welcome centers arent so welcoming without free juice. China Answer (1 of 2): The Rays have a perfectly nice Stadium in St Pete. Attendance is always low. I cant talk about what went on in the executive council meeting.. There isnt really an issue with this proposal. 20 Tampa Bay restaurants every new resident needs to try to call themselves a local If you're gonna live in Tampa, you have to eat like a Tampeo. Since 2009, WDAE/620 in St. Petersburg, Florida, has served as the flagship station for the network.. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Baseball came early to Tropicana Field this year. Tampa Bay retiree one of thousands stuck in federal . "Wed just be moving them a little to the east.. He grew up in Southern Illinois and graduated from Southern Illinois University with a bachelors degree in TV and digital media. The Devil Rays swept the Rangers in that series. Sternberg said recent talks with Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, new St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch and other area officials have gone well. Copyright 2023 ClickOrlando.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. Arab world A year later, the Rays swept a three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays, improving their record to 6-0 all-time at Walt Disney World Resort. Spring training workouts begin Feb. 6 for early arrivals, with pitchers and catchers reporting Feb. 14. Walt Disney World on Tuesday announced it has come to an agreement with the Tampa Bay Rays to host the . Principal owner Stuart Sternberg has said all the right things, that ownership is committed to keeping the Rays in the Tampa Bay area and that they will . And unfortunately, its not our first rodeo.. Charlotte is a great city that baseball should look to expand to, but for the Rays, its not the right option. By all appearances, the Tampa Bay Rays are staying put. He noted that Major League Baseball is planning to expand by two teams in the coming years. Tampa Bay Rays president Brian Auld told councilmember Charlie Miranda that . It is even to believe that the upper echelons of the MLB do not know it either with the few information that it is possible to obtain here and there! Because they play somewhere accessible for the greater Tampa Bay area. Be the best Tampa Bay Rays fan you can be with Bleacher Report. Arab Book Few people remember that in 1992, the San Francisco Giants were an eyelash away from moving to Tampa before other team owners stepped in and one Bay Area team stayed where it was. The Apollos enjoyed moderate success in both attendance numbers, drawing close to 20,000 fans a game, and on the field, posting a 7-1 record under the Head Ball Coach.. March 3rd, 2023, at 2:41 pm. the Tampa Bay Rays ridiculous plan to split their season between the Tampa area and Montreal. Meanwhile, the Rays couldnt fill their stadium during a playoff game. NHL Lightning & Panthers. If you need help with the Public File, call 407-291-6000. Next time you're in town, though, I hope it's for the All-Star Game instead of the owners meetings. Rob Manfred - MLB has urgency to find Tampa Bay Rays a new ballpark - ESPN Rays to Orlando Gains Momentum - Legends On Deck I greatly appreciate the feedback and constructive criticism. There are not only the tourists, but also all the Disney employees who could potentially go and have fun at a Rays game on their day off. I might rather sit in I-4 traffic rather than paying to watch a pitchers duel from the outfield bleachers. Florida Gov. With the 2027 end of their lease at Tropicana Field getting closer, the Rays are back to exploring stadium options in the Tampa Bay area. I would suggest Casita Taqueria for lunch (closed on Sundays). It might be best that the Rays relocate. Bei der Nutzung unserer Websites und Apps verwenden wir, unsere Websites und Apps fr Sie bereitzustellen, Nutzer zu authentifizieren, Sicherheitsmanahmen anzuwenden und Spam und Missbrauch zu verhindern, und, Ihre Nutzung unserer Websites und Apps zu messen, personalisierte Werbung und Inhalte auf der Grundlage von Interessenprofilen anzuzeigen, die Effektivitt von personalisierten Anzeigen und Inhalten zu messen, sowie, unsere Produkte und Dienstleistungen zu entwickeln und zu verbessern. I dont get the sense that Tampa and St. Pete are kissing cousins. The Case for Moving the Rays to Orlando - Legends On Deck International This is their perfect new home.. PETERSBURG, Fla. The Tampa Bay Rays are relocating their spring base for 2023 due to extensive damage to team training facilities caused by Hurricane Ian. by Alejandro Avila May 29, 2021, 4:37 pm updated May 30, 2021, 5:45 pm 10 Comments. The Tampa Bay Rays would double-down on their Orlando push, as they scheduled a second series in Orlando in 2008. Seven asteroids brushed past Earth this week: should we be worried? Tampa Bay Rays setting stage for move to Montreal for 2028 By soon, that essentially means by the beginning of 2023. Matt Reeser joined WFTV in 1998 as a news photographer and has worked for television stations in Kentucky and West Virginia. Globe Field You will find the newest MLB stadium in Arlington, Texas. Tampa Bay Rays - Bleacher Report The average young adult who moved to Tampa moved from an area about 267 miles away for their job, the Census Bureau reported. ORLANDO Rays officials still havent gotten any clarity from other major-league owners or top executives during their quarterly meetings about why the plan to split future seasons in Montreal was killed. Pinellas eyes youth sports complex with big question: Where would it fit? The Rays have trained since 2009 in Port Charlotte, Florida, about 90 minutes south of St. Tampa Bay Rays Wearing "O" Cap for Orlando on Tuesday This very . Option to move Rays to Orlando must be raised - Archyde