Coming Sunday: Are we a baseball town?

Using bellwether population and demographic data from baseball’s 25 U.S. metropolitan areas (four areas have two teams, and the Toronto Blue Jays play in Canada), we were able to compare Tampa Bay to other Major League Baseball cities.

The data shows .... we'll you'll have to wait for that.

If I get the OK, I'll post the story here Friday. Otherwise, look for it on doorsteps Sunday.

Comments

[Clear Direction]

Aaron,

Looking forward to the information.

FYI, The Long awaited Klagis Economic Impact Study is scheduled to to presented to the TDC on December 10th.

It will be interesting to see how that information compares with the PWC report commissioned by the Chamber Committee.

[Thomas]

I'd like to guess what the data showed:

St. Pete would be a baseball town, if the taxpayers funded a new stadium.

[Scaramouche]

Oh, Thomas, you're such a cynic!

[Todd]

Yes this entire Area of Florida is a baseball "town". The Rays belong to a large area of Florida and draw their attendance from about a 100 mile radius.

I hope any 'data' takes into account the current downturn in the economy and the lack of discressionary dollars that people have for the 2009 season to spend on baseball.

Rather than post silly data, why not just keep on promoting the team and let folks know what fun rays games are.

Data can be skewed to say whatever you want it to say.

[former season ticket holder]

Namoli bled the area. When the 10 year contracts expired in 2007, corporate and individual fans declined to renew. After 10 sorry losing seasons and a grumpy owner and manager why would anyone renew? Congrats to the new Rays but forget about a new stadium. This one was good enough for a World Series contender. It just took the right manager at the right time with the right athletes to put it all together. What don't those spoiled brat new owners understand about the economy? And noogies to them for ending our City's historic spring baseball series! The hogs got more state money for the Port Chartlotte facility. If you want to move, pay off the debt, reimburse the City for the management fee and any other expenses and leave already!