The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result. So the Tampa Bay Rays’ staying in St. Petersburg falls into that category after their befuddling decision to remain in baseball’s worst market.
The St. Petersburg city council recently approved the Rays’ plans to build a new $1.3-billion stadium near Tropicana Field. All that’s left for the Pinellas County Commission is to give the final approval, which is expected to happen. On top of staying in a horrendous current location, the stadium will also be domed, with no plans to improve public transit to the stadium.
Really, all the Rays did was pay more money not to solve their attendance problems. So, all they’ll have is a shiny new ballpark with very few people in attendance besides the opposing fans.
(Finally) Over
St. Petersburg’s city council recently approved the Rays’ plans to build a new ballpark, which is expected to include bars, restaurants, offices, hotels, and green spaces. This will finally put an end to a frustrating 20-year saga that aggravated both the team and public officials.
The Rays’ new stadium is supposed to be built in time for Opening Day 2028, which also means that they can finally leave the dump that is Tropicana Field.
One of the Biggest Idiots in Baseball
The most iconic line in Field of Dreams is “If you build it, they will come.” The Rays have had a similar attitude regarding their insistence on staying in St. Pete. Owner Stuart Sternberg has apparently forgotten how bad it’s been for his team in the current location. They’ve consistently finished at the bottom of the league in attendance every season.
In fact, in 2023, Tampa broke a century-old record for the fewest people to attend a postseason game. After that debacle, Sternberg should’ve stopped considering the city a viable option. Even though Tampa is building it, the area’s people still won’t be coming — and nothing will change for them.
Just Another Tropicana Field
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Rays are building another domed stadium. While having a roof is necessary because of Florida’s frequent thunderstorms, not many MLB organizations build domes anymore. Actually, the Rays are the only team in baseball playing in a permanently enclosed stadium. The closest you see teams getting to building a domed stadium is having a retractable roof.
A domed stadium often makes it difficult for players and spectators to track the ball, which can become dangerous. In non-hazardous conditions, baseball is meant to be played outside anyway. The same problems plaguing the Rays now will follow them to their new stadium; all they’re doing is building a newer version of their current disaster.
Nothing Will Change
For years, people have complained about Tropicana Field’s location. It’s the primary reason why the Rays struggle with attendance.
Any business with common sense will want to solve the main issues with whatever they are selling. The Rays apparently don’t operate with that in mind. Tampa Bay’s stadium deal also doesn’t include adding public transportation.
While the Rays are getting a new ballpark, nothing will change. People will still be reluctant to attend a game because getting to the stadium is difficult, and the Rays appear OK with having a non-existent fan base.
The Problems Haven’t Been Solved
St. Petersburg prides itself on being a “Major League city.” However, they’ve been nothing short of an embarrassment to Major League Baseball.
The Rays’ new stadium will be another version of Miami’s LoanDepot Park, where, despite being new, it still has low attendance. They did next to nothing to solve the issues plaguing them, so when the Rays’ new ballpark goes up in 2028, nothing will change; the team will still finish near the bottom of the league in attendance. The Rays and the city of St. Petersburg spent a combined $1.3 billion to not solve the problem. Just because you build it, doesn’t mean they’ll come.
For more on baseball, check out Belly Up Sports and follow Eric on Twitter/X. Featured images: Getty Images
