When they begin play in '98, MLB's expansion Devil Rays are
a "near lock" for the AL East, according to Hubert Mizell of the
ST. PETERSBURG TIMES. Mizell notes that is the "best placement"
for the Rays because of the draw of thousands of Red Sox,
Yankees, Orioles and Blue Jays fans living in FL. Rays Managing
General Partner Vince Naimoli says that even without being
absolutely certain of the club's division, the team's ticket
sales are "real good," with over 17,000 season-tickets already
sold. Naimoli: "Cutoff will be 27,000. I'm convinced we'll
make it." Naimoli added that stadium advertising is "nearing
completion" with a number of "heavyweight corporations involved."
Among 69 luxury boxes at ThunderDome, 54 are sold, with three
being saved, one for an exclusive soft-drink provider and one
each for TV and radio flagships. 12 suites will be used by
various groups, including ownership and team marketing. Six
other suites will be available on a game-by-game basis. Naimoli
is looking to sell corporate naming rights to the ThunderDome,
with Tropicana said to have the highest interest (ST. PETE TIMES,
9/15).
