The Rays "are set to launch a new website where fans and residents can submit ideas about what they see as must-haves" in a new ballpark, according to Christopher O'Donnell of the TAMPA BAY TIMES. The team already said that it plans to "break the mold when it comes to design and want a ballpark that the community can use outside of game day." Team President Brian Auld said that the Rays have "challenged" their architect, Populous, to "throw out all traditional ideas of building a ballpark." O'Donnell noted among the concepts the team has floated are "having the training facility double as a community wellness center, and for stadium kitchens to serve as a culinary institution or training facility." At a Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce luncheon Friday, Auld "revealed more unconventional thinking." O'Donnell: "Do seats have to be in linear rows or is there a more social configuration? Can they use technology to allow a fan to sit in the front row for three innings and then move to club seats for another few innings? Can the outfield walls open up in the winter to allow the public to use the grounds as a park?" The new website "will also be used to communicate the team's vision for the ballpark to the community." Keen to "bolster the amount of corporate support the team gets, the Rays have met with local business leaders in so-called 'blue-sky' meetings where out-of-the box ideas are encouraged" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 5/28).
