Rays Continue To See Low Attendances Despite On-Field Success
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Rays Still Struggling To Draw Fans
Despite On-Field Success |
The first-place Rays have been the "worst-drawing team in [MLB] for the past two weeks, which is a little embarrassing when the rest of the country keeps calling Tampa Bay the feel-good story of 2008," according to John Romano of the ST. PETERSBURG TIMES. Rays President Matt Silverman: "To me, it's about how disheartening it is for everybody in the organization -- the players, coaches and front office -- to not see the excitement funnel its way into Tropicana Field." In recent days, the market has "set a new standard for disinterest considering this is [the Rays'] very first pennant race." For "three consecutive games against the [AL] West-leading Angels last week, the Rays drew the day's smallest crowd in the majors." Silverman: "The TV ratings are high, and that's a great sign, but it hasn't translated to the number of people at Tropicana Field. It really takes the wind out of our sails. We've poured our hearts and souls into making this a great draw, and a great fan experience. And to come home after a great road trip and have ... the smallest crowds in [MLB] was discouraging." Romano writes, "You wouldn't expect the Rays to draw 40,000 a night like the big markets in [N.Y. or L.A.]. ... But 12,678? When the pennant is in sight? Call it sobering. Call it disappointing. Soon, you may be calling it disturbing or threatening." The Rays, "like most teams, do not release their season ticket figures, but it is believed they are in the 6,000-8,000 range, which would put them 29th in [MLB], and a long way from 28th." Silverman said, "What's going to be most telling is the response (to season tickets) this offseason. That's where we are the most deficient" (ST. PETERSBURG TIMES, 8/28). SPORTING NEWS' Spencer Hall jokingly offers possible reasons for the Rays' attendance, writing Tropicana Field "stinks, it's too hot to sit outside in the summer, and old people are too cheap to go to games instead of the dog track," which in St. Pete "does way better business than the major league franchise" (SPORTINGNEWS.com, 8/28).
DOUGHNUT HOLES: In St. Petersburg, Sharon Tubbs writes under the header, "In Deluge Of Doughnuts, A Crumb Of Criticism." The Rays and Dunkin' Donuts partnered last year for the "Rays Win, You Win" promotion, and every time the team won, "fans could pick up a free doughnut." However, earlier this month, fans were told they "couldn't get their doughnuts until the day after a win and, even then, they'd have to arrive before 11:30 a.m." More recently, fans were "denied the blueberry -- the promotion now included glazed only." Fans also said that one store "wouldn't honor coupons given out at Rays games for free coffees." Rays fan Paula Rodriguez said, "The Rays were winning and now they are taking (the doughnuts) away. ... And I'm sorry, that's false advertising." Dunkin' Donuts spokesperson Toby Srebnik said that the promo will "continue at least through the end of this season." Srebnik conceded that "no one knew they'd have to give out this many doughnuts." Srebnik: "The success of the Rays has exceeded everybody's expectations." Srebnik noted as of mid July, the Rays had won 55 games and the stores "had given out 138,875 doughnuts" (ST. PETERSBURG TIMES, 8/28).
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