Something's wrong with Tropicana Field?

While attending college at the University of Tampa, I noticed the awesome fact that the area is rich in professional sports! The Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are relatively close to each other and easily accessible. The closest NBA was the Orlando Magic, but I got to catch a pre-season game at the Ice Palace one year. I felt really spoiled since I grew up in a place where everything was much more spread out and harder to get tickets for. To make things even better – there was plenty of golf and tennis around. I only wish the USF Bulls were as good as they are now when I was there. I didn’t complain though, I was able to go to the games free since my school didn’t have football. (They did at one time; John Matuszak is a U Tampa alum!)

The first time watching a game at Tropicana Field I was very impressed. Here was this architecturally interesting dome that had some great modern amenities. Compared to my Chavez Ravine (pre-refurbishing – before the new rows and seats were added), it had the luster of a new car. Comfortable seats, plenty of interesting vendors, and I was pumped to be there. But all of the locals complained! I came to realize that the city had a strange love-hate relationship with the Rays. One fan told me that he didn’t like them because of the timing they released their inaugural season tickets. He felt they somehow were undermining the Bucs when they weren’t very good. Others told me they hated the dome. Huh? How can you hate the dome? I was told baseball should be played outside. I agree – its just that the area has severe thunderstorms in the summer. The thought of a full-time open-air baseball stadium in the area was odd to me. Regardless, almost no one I encountered in the area had a favorable view of Tropicana Field. I thought it was just fine. In fact, I quite enjoyed every game I attended there.

The rumor I hear from my pals in Tampa is that they are proposing a new, retractable-roof venue near the water. I think it’s a great idea as long as they handle parking efficiently. Either way, I hope the area will come to appreciate their team more. I know there are fans that do, but I got the overall impression the prevailing sentiment is lackluster.