sflnyc
10-10-2008, 08:01 PM
I didn’t watch many Rays games on TV this year, but I’ve always known Tropicana Field has having a capacity around 43,000. Well, this past season, the box scores indicated that the Rays went the MLB way of the “fake capacity” of 35,000 by covering up seats to increase demand for tickets. No problem, many MLB teams do that.
I didn’t get to watch any of the ALDS home games for the Rays, but I noticed that the capacity was still shown in the 35,000 range and not 43,000. So I was planning on asking any of Tampa Bay posters on Baseball Fever if the modifications to the stadium actually physically removed 8,000 seats from the facility (ala US Cellular Field). Then as I’m watching Game 1 of the ALCS tonight, I notice that the rear sections of the upper deck are covered meaning the “fake capacity” is still being used. What gives? :noidea
Teams normally do everything they can to expand their normal capacity in the post-season, including selling standing room tickets, to increase revenue. One would think the team would want to take advantage of the post-season parade and let as many people see the games live. IIRC, I think the A’s did the same thing the last time they were in the playoffs with Mt. Davis and part of the upper deck covered in green tarps.
And no, this is NOT a Tampa Bay/Marlins Attendance Bashing Thread. There are enough of those to go around.
I didn’t get to watch any of the ALDS home games for the Rays, but I noticed that the capacity was still shown in the 35,000 range and not 43,000. So I was planning on asking any of Tampa Bay posters on Baseball Fever if the modifications to the stadium actually physically removed 8,000 seats from the facility (ala US Cellular Field). Then as I’m watching Game 1 of the ALCS tonight, I notice that the rear sections of the upper deck are covered meaning the “fake capacity” is still being used. What gives? :noidea
Teams normally do everything they can to expand their normal capacity in the post-season, including selling standing room tickets, to increase revenue. One would think the team would want to take advantage of the post-season parade and let as many people see the games live. IIRC, I think the A’s did the same thing the last time they were in the playoffs with Mt. Davis and part of the upper deck covered in green tarps.
And no, this is NOT a Tampa Bay/Marlins Attendance Bashing Thread. There are enough of those to go around.