Glad we have a place to play in 2010 but I hope this is a one and done kind of solution. Most of the sight lines for the fans are going to be pretty rough. Maybe it will be better once I'm there in person? Regardless, go fc tampa!
Well I am glad they finally picked some place. I am a little dismayed by the sight lines I have seen. And for those who are hoping for a one and done deal with the Yankees, then this quote will give you hope and nightmares. Nestor said the franchise is pursuing options to eventually build a new 5,500-seat stadium of their own... but said "we're definitely in no rush to leave here." http://www.tampabay.com/sports/soccer/article1068589.ece
That quote is a killer. I think one thing they could do, if it would fit would be to run one side of the field parrallel down the 3rd base side. That was you'd have at least one entire stand with decent sight lines. Wonder if they'll be a designated supporters section... guess all we can do is sell the place out and get ourselves in line for an MLS team down the road.
Looks like the seats near first base is right near the goal, sorta where a lot of soccer supporters clubs end up. Might be as good a place as any.
I noticed on the season ticket site that there are 4 sections of seats to pick from, no preference, college, family and "rowdy" supporters section. i imagine the family will offer an experience sanitized for the soccer moms but wonder what the college one will offer. keg stands and USF girls perhaps?
I would imagine that the seats in right field, down the line (The outfield seats if it were a baseball game!) would be a great supporters section. Hard to tell on the FC tampa site because its covered by the words 'play inaugural' Happy to have it settled. Let the games begin!
On the lower side of the picture in the only outfield seating for the baseball set-up is the Tribune-sponsored party deck, which has a couple of bars, cafe tables, and seating. That could be a pretty good spot to catch the games from.
Can you clear up something from your article? Are they really not going to put grass over the infield for games?
I've got to wonder if this arrangement will meet the so called "minimum standards" for D2 stadiums that are supposedly being developed.
This reminds me of the setup the Chicago Sting had when they played at Comiskey Park. I still have a DVD of the 1984 Soccer Bowl match they played there where it was practically the same setup the Rowdies will use here.
Have you looked at the signboards around the field? http://nasl.com/images/news/nasl-tbfc.jpg I spy.... Pepsi, DHL, Reebok, and Nokia Is is wishfull thinking by FC Tampa Bay marketing folks ... or do we have some big name international sponsors?
Here is hoping that the Rowdies would take example what the KC Wizards and New England Revolution do and place a series of ground level seats either behind the signboards (NE) or next to the team benches (KC). I am sure there would be a group of people wanting these types of seats.
In regard to the infield dirt, I am under the impression it will stay there, because while the New York Yankees spring training will be over when the Division II season starts, the Tampa Yankees will still have their FSL schedule, and meaning it will be a lot of effort to cover and uncover the infield back and forth. Now, onto an interesting tidbit I noticed this morning in TBO.com columnist Tom McEwan's Breakfast Bonus: Owner David Laxer had some interesting things to say regarding a permanent home. http://thetampabaysoccerblog.blogspot.com/2010/01/rowdies-stadium-to-be-built-downtown.html Yes, I'm pimping my own blog. What of it?
Wow. If that is true that would be amazing. A downtown stadium would be a coup for the Rowdies. I am also happy to hear that playing in the baseball stadium is a temporary solution for a few seasons at most.
I'm in the process of trying to find out how close to reality the quote is. That said, I don't think McEwan would have wrote it if Laxer hadn't said something to that effect.
Also notice YANKEES ROWDIES have seven letters. The letters above the bleachers can be covered to spell ROWDIES during ROWDIES games.
I saw a picture of the stadium without the writing on the lower left hand part and there is some sort of deck in RF which looks like it could be a cool place to watch a match. I really hope they do add some field level stands in front of that area too. We'll see...
Two things. 1. Yes, Cruz, that could be the case here. The Rowdies have said this isn't the case, but they are trying to reach Laxer to clarify what he actually said. 2. BC&C, there is a deck area in right field, sponsored by the Tribune. Has a couple of bars/concessions and seating, some tables, and some SRO from what I recall being up there a couple of years ago.
As far as downtown Tampa by UF, I was wondering if they are thinking about the space where the Trump tower was supposed to be built.