Rays Release Renovation Plans

Since there's no point in doing the same job twice, why don't we just rely on some tweets from today's press conference unveiling the Rays' plans for stadium renovations, including a 360-degree concourse around the stadium?

#Rays unveil designs for 2014 renovations: pic.twitter.com/N5FsVhME8L
— Shadow of Stadium (@StadiumShadow) December 3, 2013

#Rays unveil designs for 2014 renovations: pic.twitter.com/OOtZ7sctdk
— Shadow of Stadium (@StadiumShadow) December 3, 2013

Panorama of #Rays' new CF concourse (in-progress): pic.twitter.com/v8WNKzjz8H
— Shadow of Stadium (@StadiumShadow) December 3, 2013

(More pictures posted over on the Shadow of a Stadium Twitter page)

#Rays stadium renovation will include removal of 3,000 seats to accommodate outfield walkway/concourse.
— Shadow of Stadium (@StadiumShadow) December 3, 2013

#Rays will also tarp off a few more balcony seats to create more "intimate" atmosphere.
— Shadow of Stadium (@StadiumShadow) December 3, 2013

#Rays stadium renovation will reduce regular-season capacity to 31,042.
— Shadow of Stadium (@StadiumShadow) December 3, 2013

There were plenty of "lipstick on a pig" comments across the Twitterverse, but these improvements make a lot of sense.  The Rays wouldn't say how much they're contributing on top of the $1.3 million from a city/team capital improvement escrow fund, other than "seven digits," bringing the total sum the team has spent on Tropicana Field renovations sinc 2005 to more than $20 million.

But not only will fans enjoy the improvements, the team will as well:

#Rays renovations will drastically improve OF fans' access to concessions. That alone could pay for renovations.
— Shadow of Stadium (@StadiumShadow) December 3, 2013

Fans in the outfield, who used to have to really hike around the park to get a beer, will now be able to just walk next door to the Captain Morgan-sponsored party deck.  Hopefully area taxis will benefit too.

The Rays also announced new ticket and concession discounts for fans {link to Times' story} and seems to be doing everything possible to increase their attendance (and revenue) at The Trop.

#Rays VP Michael Kalt: "This is a statement from the team that we are committed to this fan base and the region."
— Shadow of Stadium (@StadiumShadow) December 3, 2013

The big question: is it enough to reverse the decline previously identified as a "self-fulfilling prophecy?"