Q: The Rays purchased the
Rowdies last year and took
over management of Al Lang
Stadium. Tell us about that
decision.
A: The Rowdies are a Tampa Bay institution.
As we have done with the Rays,
we intend to be great stewards of this
community asset and are committed to
bringing a United Soccer League championship
home to our fans.
Q: What will be the impact for
fans? For St. Petersburg?
Al Lang Field has among the most
beautiful surroundings of any sports
facility anywhere on earth. We are
enjoy great soccer matches, concerts
and other events, all while appreciating
the incredible scenery.
Q: What’s next for the Rowdies?
Are there renovations planned
for Al Lang Stadium?
A: Rowdies VP & COO Lee Cohen
and Head Coach Neil Collins have put
together a young and exciting roster
and think this team can make a real
run at a USL Championship. That’s
our focus. Fans will also notice that
our operations team has done a phenomenal
job readying Al Lang for the
season. We’ve been working cooperatively
with local partners to bring creative
concessions to our fans.
Q: Now that the Rays will be
staying at Tropicana Field,
what’s next for the team?
A: We are returning the core of a
team that won 90 games in 2019,
and we have improved the roster this
offseason. Fans can look forward to a
competitive, intense season and meaningful
games in September. We are a
resourceful and innovative group, and
term solution for keeping the Rays in
Tampa Bay for generations to come.
Q: The Rays are partnering with
Synapse Innovation Challenge to
identify creative solutions for Al
Lang when the Rowdies aren’t
playing there. Can you tell us
more?
A: We know that Tampa Bay is full of
innovative and creative people, and
this is a fun opportunity to involve them
in growing a shared community asset.
We're excited for the competition and
look forward to hearing all of the interesting
ideas to program Al Lang.
Q: There is an understanding
that renovations are underway
at Tropicana Field. What can
fans expect?
A: On Opening Day 2019, Tropicana
Field will be a better place to watch
baseball than ever before, thanks to
more than $50 million in private investment
we have put into the facility,
including the new Left Field Ledge.
In addition, we've added LED lighting
and new turf, which will make for a
better playing environment and viewing
experience.
Q: Where do you see St. Pete
over the next decade?
A: The city continues to grow economically
while becoming more inclusive
and diverse, and that is a recipe for
success anywhere. I'm just excited to
be part of it.
Brian Auld
Tampa
Bay Rays
Tampa Bay
Rowdies fans
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