The Tampa Bay Rays obviously have done a lot right so far this year. From the on-field product to fan-friendly promotions, including those after-game concerts.
But here’s a suggestion, prompted by a recent visit to the Trop during the Rays-Cubs series. Consider offering a “Baseball Protocol 101” service. It can be easily done in a light-hearted, funny way – using the Rays’ Web site as well as Trop video screen and handouts. But it needs doing if fans of baseball, not just event-goers, are to become satisfied customers.
The Trop’s sightlines are good, except when someone is standing is front of you. But this happens too often – and is almost always avoidable.
There will always be a constant flow of spectators to the refreshment areas, and certainly the Rays don’t want to discourage profit-center patronage. But how about a little old-school, common courtesy from those cycling back and forth multiple times during a game? Please — and maybe you know who you are — be mindful of when you exit your row and then return to your seat. It’s really important to those who are there to actually see the game. Baseball – of all sports – has plenty of stoppage time. Just use it.
Here’s the rule of thumb, one that used to prevail when games were mainly attended by hard-core fans:
1) Save the “excuse me, excuse me, excuse me” apologias for between innings.
2) Timing, of course, is hardly an exact science. So, between batters is still good.
3) Between pitches, however, is not so good. One or more (pitches) are sure to be obstructed. Solution: Crouch at the end of the row until the next batter. It won’t be long. There’s plenty of precedent.
4) Don’t even think about leaving or returning to your seat without regard to the ongoing game — as if you were at an Adam Sandler movie or Andrew Dice Clay concert. This is totally unacceptable. It’s beyond cluelessness; it’s rude.
I say if Lifestyle Family Fitness can regularly remind members — via humorous video animation — that it is unacceptable to not re-rack weights, leave apparatus seats sweaty and use inappropriate language, then the Rays can entertainingly inform their customers about proper baseball etiquette.