Rays eye possible locations for new stadium

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Post a comment | E-mail this story | Print

Most of the sites are located in northeast St. Petersburg.

PINELLAS COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- The Tampa Bay Rays are eyeing seven possible locations for a new Major League Baseball stadium.

The sites include: Tropicana Field, Derby Lane, Toytown, the Sod Farm, Al Lang Field, the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Airport & Airco Golf Course and the Carillon Town Center.

According to the 69-page Rays report, which The St. Petersburg Times shared with Bay News 9, 15-acres at Carillon seem to be a favorite site for a new baseball stadium.

"Their study shows that downtown St. Petersburg is the worst place for them," said St. Petersburg Times reporter Aaron Sharockman. "Carillon, because it's suited in the middle of the county actually has about twice as many people within a 30-minute drive as say Tropicana Field."

More Information

There are a large number of residents already opposed to the Al Lang Field site and Sharockman says the airport site can probably be crossed off the list.

"I think one thing that is important is one of the sites listed is St. Pete - Clearwater Airport. And what we know since this report was put together is that the county has really said it's not an option," he said. "Because they're going to keep the airport and the height of the stadium wouldn't fit in with the airport. So, if you start with this list of seven you can really take off one. So, now we're down to six."

Sharockman also says it appears the stadium committee won't go with an open air stadium if they can't get a site near the water. Instead, it's more likely they'll go with a retractable roof.

Be in the Know with Bay News 9 Now!

Get news, weather, and traffic alerts delivered directly to your computer desktop, e-mail, or cell phone with Bay News 9 Now.

Subscribe for free!

The Holidays On Bay News 9

thanksgiving travel From Holiday lights to mall hours to military greetings and more, Bay News 9 has you covered. Go to our Holiday page for more information.