It’s serious business when it comes to selling Tampa Bay Rays season tickets – especially in Hillsborough County. That’s where the most erosion has been.
So last week’s Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce luncheon for the Rays – in effect, a Rays’ pep rally and business-community band wagon opportunity – was a critical marketing forum.
The turnout was both large and enthusiastic.
The Rays brought their highlight video of last season’s emotionally-charged, “worst-to-first” season that galvanized national attention and took them to the World Series. The video was well-received. Really well-received. It got a standing ovation.
Some outtakes from Rays’ representatives:
*Rays’ President Matt Silverman:
> “It happened much faster and sooner than we expected. We knew we
had potential. Actually, ’08, we felt, would be the least talented team we
would field in the next three years. But time lines sometimes have a
mind of their own. And we were ready.
“The challenge in ’09 is that we can’t sneak up on anyone this year. But
we’re ready for the restocked Yankees and the re-socked Red Sox.”
> “The Saturday night concert series will be back. We’re working on the
acts and dates now. We should be ready for an announcement in a
couple of weeks. It was a great success last year. We’d like to do 81.”
*Rays’ Senior Vice President for Baseball Operations Jerry Huntsinger:
> “This is a business that can humble you quickly. We will not be the
hunter this season. We will be the hunted…But we will not be a one-
hit wonder. The best is yet to come. We all believe that.”
> “(Centerfielder) B.J. Upton hasn’t even scratched the surface of what he
can do in this game.”
*Rays newly acquired (from the Florida Marlins) relief pitcher Joe Nelson:
> “There were probably 27 or 28 teams rooting for these guys last year.
After our (Marlins) season, I was rooting for them too.”
> “You know, there are more people here than were at most Marlins’
games last year.”