Tampa Bay Rays Imagining Technologically Advanced Stadium

As technology keeps changing, the challenge of building a ballpark to appeal to the masses increases. However, the Tampa Bay Rays have visions of a ballpark that could withstand those changes.

Consider the ways that technology and life have changed over the past few years. Just 30 years ago, the idea of virtually every house having a computer would have been ludicrous. We have the ability to access unlimited information from just about anywhere in the world, and can stay in touch with anyone no matter how far away. Driverless cars are here, and the automation of almost every process is only increasing.

For the Tampa Bay Rays, who are looking to build a new ballpark, those technological changes are just a portion of the considerations that they are considering. However, the Rays already have a few ideas in mind that could make their new ballpark one of the more advanced stadiums in the country.

Imagine, if you will, having your concessions delivered by drone. Those concessions? Ordered by an app. Want a shirt or a new foam finger? Those can be ordered from the same app as well. Instead of uncomfortable seats and the possibility of mediocre sightlines, one can have a couch on which to sit. Tickets would be a thing of the past, with scanners verifying that game subscription and allowing the fans to enter.

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Ticket takers, ushers, and vendors may not be the only things missing from the complex. As driverless cars become more prevalent, the need for a parking garage or two would be eliminated. Such a move could save the team quite a bit of money on upkeep, and may even lead to increased spending on the roster.

These are among the ideas that the Rays are considering for their new stadium. Such thinking indicates a desire to go from the outdated Tropicana Field to something entirely different, a modern wonder that would be a technological marvel. Fans would have that feeling of being home in their living rooms or dens, enjoying the game with everything they need at their fingertips.

It is a novel idea, and may be what the franchise needs to draw fans. It also shows the Rays continued ability to think outside the box, as they are already looking to the future to imagine what fans would need from a ballpark. For a team looking for every advantage possible, the dreamed about new venue could be exactly it.

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The Tampa Bay Rays may be years away from a new stadium, but they have big ideas. If they come to fruition, the Rays next ballpark could be the first of its kind, a modern marvel that would become the gold standard of the future.

As technology keeps changing, the challenge of building a ballpark to appeal to the masses increases. However, the Tampa Bay Rays have visions of a ballpark that could withstand those changes.

More from Rays Colored Glasses

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