A new Rays ballpark in Tampa would likely have "no gigantic surface parking lots" nearby, meaning fans would have to "park in garages, use transit and ... walk to games," according to a front-page piece by Caitlin Johnston of the TAMPA BAY TIMES. This would "put Tampa more in line with other major baseball markets" that play in urban ballparks. It is also "quite a contrast" to the Rays' "massive surface parking lots" outside Tropicana Field. The change would "bring new challenges for the Rays." But Tampa officials have "made it clear that any parking plans are speculation at this point." Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn said that he "imagines fans will take advantage of existing garages and lots," as opposed to the city "building new parking structures." Buckhorn also hopes to surround the new ballpark with "restaurants, shops and other businesses to attract people to the area." He "envisions 'a more intimate environment' surrounding a more intimate stadium, which would hold 30,000 to 35,000 people." Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority Exec Dir Katharine Eagan "anticipates that HART would build a new streetcar station" near the ballpark because the trolley already "travels past the area." The agency would "apply for a federal grant to pay for building a platform right by" the new ballpark (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 10/31).
