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Rays to unveil Tropicana Field upgrades

Tampa Bay RaysThe Tampa Bay Rays are unveiling several 2014 improvements to Tropicana Field today, including a 360-degree concourse and an open area in center field.

From ABC Action News:

According to details learned by ABC Action News, the Rays plans involve a path allowing fans to walk around the entire stadium without having to go through each concourse. The 360° circulation means fans will never miss another pitch as they walk around Tropicana Field.

Another new design will be an open terrace over center field. The terrace will feature open rails for fans to stand and enjoy their beverages as they watch the game.

The Rays will release renderings and discuss in detail the stadium upgrades during an 11:00 a.m. news conference at Tropicana Field.

Interesting move. It’s always a tightrope act when a team is seeking a new ballpark while playing in the old one: there’s the sense the team is trashing their current home in order to justify a new one, and as a result some fans end up staying home. Here, the Rays are clearly showing their commitment to Tampa Bay by spending money on what is universally regarded as one of the two worst facilities in Major League Baseball.

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