It's already starting...

[BaltimoreTerp]

Just want to play devil's advocate here. IMO Baltimore is more accessible to NY and Boston fans than Tampa. I think our attendance was propped up by the NY and Boston fans and that Tampa actually outdrew us locally this year.

Tampa had the same problems with Sox and Yankees fans.

[Moose Milligan]

The Rays unis are so much better now too...that helps.

Hahaha, says the guy who thinks Baltimore on the roadies and a new hat matters so very little to the team he roots for

[ON BASE %]

Tampa had the same problems with Sox and Yankees fans.

Yes, but not to quite the same extent in numbers. During a September 1-3 series gainst the Yankees they drew crowds of 21K, 25k, AND 26K. The Orioles didn't have any comparable weekday games against the Yankees in September but I think the attendance would have ranged from 32-40K per game. Baltimore is just a lot more accessible than Tampa.

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/recap?gid=280902130

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/recap?gid=280903130

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/boxscore;_ylt=AkzQ_t09d5mt_pVh8fbd_hupu7YF?gid=280904130

[geschinger]

It will be interesting to see how Tampa responds... When the Bucs finally put a respectable product on the field they started packing the house. When the Lightning put a respectable product on the field they started packing the house and even years later I still think they are at above 90% capacity night after night. I wouldn't be suprised if the Rays bump in attendance is large and long term.

[Mad Mark]

There's also the Tropicana Field factor. I went to a game there in 2001, and really didn't see what all the negativity was about. Sure, it's nowhere near as nice as Camden Yards, but it certainly was refreshing to walk out of a 95-degree steambath and into a 72-degree covered stadium. The place has been significantly upgraded since then. If people would stop paying attention to stories about what a crap-hole the place allegedly is, and paid more attention to the (currently) exciting team on the field, the Rays' attendance would increase, IMO.

[PaulFolk]

There's also the Tropicana Field factor. I went to a game there in 2001, and really didn't see what all the negativity was about. Sure, it's nowhere near as nice as Camden Yards, but it certainly was refreshing to walk out of a 95-degree steambath and into a 72-degree covered stadium. The place has been significantly upgraded since then. If people would stop paying attention to stories about what a crap-hole the place allegedly is, and paid more attention to the (currently) exciting team on the field, the Rays' attendance would increase, IMO.

So the top appeal of the ballpark is that it has air conditioning?

Sorry, but that place really is a dump. I can tell that much just by watching it on TV. Between the ugly turf, the drab atmosphere, and the meandering catwalks where fly balls go to die, it's not an adequate major-league ballpark. I'm almost hoping the Phillies close out the Series tonight so we won't have to see Tropicana Field again this year. It has to be the worst World Series stadium I remember seeing.

[geschinger]

So the top appeal of the ballpark is that it has air conditioning?

Sorry, but that place really is a dump. I can tell that much just by watching it on TV. Between the ugly turf, the drab atmosphere, and the meandering catwalks where fly balls go to die, it's not an adequate major-league ballpark. I'm almost hoping the Phillies close out the Series tonight so we won't have to see Tropicana Field again this year. It has to be the worst World Series stadium I remember seeing.

They definately need a new stadium but I also think the condition of the current venue is being exaggerated. It's a comfortable place to watch a game and isn't even the worst World Series stadium in the state of FL.

[Balmer Bomber]

Just want to play devil's advocate here. IMO Baltimore is more accessible to NY and Boston fans than Tampa. I think our attendance was propped up by the NY and Boston fans and that Tampa actually outdrew us locally this year.

Don't forget that the Yankees hold spring training in Tampa, the Sox hold spring training 2 hours to the south of the Tampa/St. Pete area, and a great deal of northerners have moved to Florida and brought their loyalties with them. I have heard some people from St. Pete refer to St. Pete as "God's Waiting Room." But then again, you could say that about anywhere in Florida from Daytona across the state and south.

[ON BASE %]

Don't forget that the Yankees hold spring training in Tampa, the Sox hold spring training 2 hours to the south of the Tampa/St. Pete area, and a great deal of northerners have moved to Florida and brought their loyalties with them. I have heard some people from St. Pete refer to St. Pete as "God's Waiting Room." But then again, you could say that about anywhere in Florida from Daytona across the state and south.

No argument here as far as the percentage of fans. I was just pointing out that as far as overall numbers the Orioles have outdrawn Tampa by a significant amount for home Yankee and Boston games.