Rays eye games in the Orlando Area

[John F]

Link

ST. PETERSBURG - The Devil Rays are exploring the possibility of playing several regular-season games in the Orlando area, perhaps as soon as the upcoming season, as part of an effort by the franchise to broaden its fan base beyond Pinellas and Hillsborough counties.

"One of our business goals is to become a regional baseball team, with support from a large portion of the state of Florida," Devil Rays president Matt Silverman said. "Some of our efforts have come to fruition, especially with Charlotte County hosting spring training [starting in 2009], and we have several ideas to cultivate areas east, toward Orlando."

It shouldn't be forgotten that the Rays put out feelers with the fans about a new stadium (or renovations to Tropicana Field) this offseason as well. Those feelers were among selected season ticket holders and citizens of St. Pete.

[DRaze2011]

I think it is a great idea to try expanding the Rays fanbase beyond the immediate Bay area. Orlando is too large a market to completely ignore; too small to pose a threat for permanent relocation.

[Hawkeye4]

Those feelers were among selected season ticket holders and citizens of St. Pete.

Guess that didn't include us 20-game STH's.

[John F]

I'm hearing from a friend who works at 2 local box offices that the Rays haven't sold many tickets to the games in Orlando. That remains to be proven though.