Rays to return to Walt Disney Complex

[SorcererMickey]

Rays to return to Walt Disney Complex

St. Petersburg, FL (Sports Network) - The Tampa Bay Rays will return to Walt Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex to play three games in 2008.

The Rays will play against the Toronto Blue Jays from April 22-24. Tampa Bay swept a three-game series from the Texas Rangers at the Disney Sports Complex last May, marking the first regular-season major league games ever played in the Orlando area.

"From the atmosphere at the ballpark, to the exposure the games generated throughout the state of Florida, to the series sweep, our experience at Disney last year was a great success," said team president Matt Silverman. "More importantly, we provided fans in the Orlando area a first-hand look at the Rays. We are committed to extending the Rays deep into Central Florida and growing interest in our exciting, young team throughout the state."

"We are thrilled to have the Rays back once again and look forward to another successful and entertaining series," added Ken Potrock, senior vice president of Disney Sports Enterprises. "Having regular-season Major League Baseball return adds to the number of unique experiences that our guests can enjoy at Disney's Wide World of Sports."

Source: http://www.sportsnetwork.com/default.asp?c=sportsnetwork&page=/mlb/news/AAN4130742.htm

[JuniorMickey]

The Rays, no longer the Devil Rays because it was said to be insulting to some :rolleyes:

[SorcererMickey]

Are you serious?

[JuniorMickey]

Dead serious. Up until 3 months ago, they were the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. They are now the Tampa Bay Rays

[OKWTink]

Yeah, I heard that too. Carrying things a bit too far, don't you think? What's next? The Heat? Too offensive for some? :rolleyes:

We thought about going to see them play the Blue Jays, but decided against it. We'll go over to Tampa when they play the Yankees. :yes:

[JuniorMickey]

MisterE and I saw the Rays play the Jays last September. We also went over for a Sox game :)

[BUTTERHEAD1]

I didnt know they changed their name to the Rays,that is ridiculous. I took my son to Yankee-Devil Ray game 2 or 3 years ago in Tampa. The place was less than half full.
Of all of the stadiums that I have been to Tropicana Field is my least favorite,it didnt have that ballpark feeling to it. Outside of Yankee Stadium Camden Yards is my favorite. I drive by the new Yankee stadium every day on my way to work and the frame is all but complete although it is a bit sad that the old Yankee Stadium will be gone I cant wait for the New one to open.

[JuniorMickey]

I actually don't mind The Trop mainly because it is a dome. I will never forget the sunburn/sunstroke I got at a Marlins game in August on a Sunday afternoon

[OKWTink]

Yeah, it's ok for protection, but it does detract from the game somewhat.

But, I'd rather that than sunstroke for sure! :eek:

[JuniorMickey]

Being in Florida and a game that is outdoors in the summer, the dome is nice. The Marlins finally got a new stadium deal and I think it's going to have a retractable roof. Night games are not bad, it's the weekend afternoon games that are killers.

Now, Fenway Park, I'll go any day, any time

[BUTTERHEAD1]

I went to a Diamondback game about 4 years ago and it is also a dome with a retractable roof. It was a great stadium and we had a lot of fun.The Trop just seemd like it had no life in it at all.

[JuniorMickey]

That has more to do with the area - you run into the same thing with the Marlins.

The problem is that the majority of people in Florida are from somewhere else and have their Sports alliances when they get here. I'm not giving up my Sox, Pats and Celts for the Dolphins, Marlins and Heat. I do root for the Marlins, but I have the NL/AL thing going on there with them and the Sox.