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Pull Back That Tarp, Rays!

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 25, 2008

For the better part of the Major League Baseball season, Tampa Bay Rays executives have bemoaned, albeit diplomatically, attendance at Tropicana Field. They campaigned to build more public support for the team, whose first winning season has led to its first playoff berth.

Some national writers and broadcasters have even ridiculed area residents for not packing Tropicana Field every game. One knucklehead columnist from Boston had the gall to suggest that MLB move the Rays' home playoff games to a city where people actually care about the game.

Considering all that, it's astonishing that the Rays do not plan to remove the tarps covering 6,000 seats in the upper level of the Trop for its playoff games.

The first two playoff games sold out in only hours, which shows the region's enthusiasm for this Cinderella team. So, at least 36,048 fans - current capacity at the domed stadium - will see the games. Crowd noise will be a major factor, but imagine what the energy would be like if 42,048 filled the Trop to its rafters. It can be deafening in the place as it is.

Fans wanting tickets don't care that the 6,000 covered seats are either "bench style" or have obstructed views. They want the chance to support their team. The team's brass, who are trying to expand the fan base and, it should be stressed, want a new ballpark, should not deny them the opportunity.

Yes, the current capacity provides an intimate setting for baseball, but 42,048 fans would represent a true sellout that would make the old dome shake. Fans want to experience the Rays' first playoff series. They won't mind if they have to crane their necks or look to the side.

The Rays and MLB already have decided that the tarps will be rolled away and those seats will be made available should the team - and we hope this isn't a jinx - make it to the World Series. We say, don't wait; open them up for the first round and, if it happens, the American League Championship series.

Given the intense interest in the team, those seats won't remain empty.

Rays, uncover those seats.

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