Rays' Sternberg: Bay's bridges a challenge for fans

During a largely feel-good event for Tampa Bay area sports, there were reminders that some storm clouds might be gathering.

 Rays principal owner Stuart Sternberg, participating in a panel discussion during Thursday night’s Sneaker Soiree at TPepin’s Hospitality Centre, had a curious response to what seemed like a benign question from Bright House Sports Network anchor Rock Riley.

 “What have you learned about the Tampa Bay area that you didn’t know before you bought the team?’’

 Sternberg paused and clasped his hands together.

 “The water is a big divide.’’

 There was a mixture of laughter, applause and stunned silence from the crowd.

 As the chuckling subsided, Riley added: “Anything else?’’

 “The rest of it, I’ve got down cold,’’ Sternberg said.

 The Rays continue to win in the American League East, against conventional odds. But attendance at St. Petersburg’s Tropicana Field continues to slump. Inevitably, most feel, the Rays will pursue another stadium before the Trop’s lease expires in 2027.

 Sternberg went on.

 “We’ve learned about the driving habits of people, their willingness and ability to navigate bridges and so forth,’’ said Sternberg, who continued to pull no punches when speaking about the area’s attendance issues.

 Generally, the recent success of Tampa Bay area sports was emphasized during Thursday night’s event, sponsored by the Tampa Bay Sports Commission and designed to honor the area’s sports-business efforts.

 But with Sternberg, Bucs co-chairman Bryan Glazer and Lightning owner Jeff Vinik gathering together for the first time, there were hints at the serious business ahead.

Such as the Rays’ potential stadium issue.

Such as the looming NFL lockout and the Bucs’ inability to sell out any home games in 2010, although Glazer wasn’t specifically asked about those issues.

The most positive vibrations were reserved for Vinik, a first-year owner whose team fell one game short of reaching the Stanley Cup finals.

As Vinik spoke, someone called out from the crowd:

 “We’re so proud of you!’’

Lightning coach Guy Boucher, while accepting an award for absent General Manager Steve Yzerman, earlier said, “We thank Mr. Vinik for making all this happen.’’

If professional sports are a cyclical operation, the Lightning are currently at the top of the cycle.

“This is a very good sports town and a very good hockey town,’’ Vinik said. “It may have gone into hibernation for a while, but now it’s back.’’

Vinik has committed to major renovations at the St. Pete Times Forum, along with major charitable contributions in the community.

“We have a responsibility to give back to the community, to touch people’s lives, to make a difference,’’ Vinik said. “We want our building to be a premier building. People deserve to sit on a seat with cushions, not just a plastic seat.

“We have a long-term plan and I feel great about where we’re going.’’

jjohnston@tampatrib.com

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