The Tampa Bay Rays are known for terrible attendance on an annual basis.
Tropicana Field really only fills up if the Boston Red Sox or New York Yankees are in town.
Ownership has thus tried to get creative in order to build excitement around the team and actually get fans in the seats.
The most recent plan was to split the team’s home season between Florida and Montreal.
That was obviously a drastic plan and one that would be tough for anyone in a Rays uniform.
Alas, the plan was shot down and won’t have a chance to move forward.
The Tampa Bay #Rays’ proposal to split seasons between Tampa and Montreal is officially over, per @TBTimes_Rays. Really, it never had a chance.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 20, 2022
This idea was brought to light in the recent past and fans had some hot takes on Twitter.
The reaction continued following the news the Rays won’t be spending half their time in Canada.
The Rays belong in Tampa. The Expos belong in Montréal. And while you’re at it put the Sonics back in Seattle. https://t.co/oCLwiMXSDI
— Mike Rogge 🎿 (@skiingrogge) January 20, 2022
MLB World Reacts To Rays Relocation Failure
This now shifts the focus toward getting a team back in Montreal on a full-time basis.
Ownership’s plan to split time there could mean the Rays ultimately do move north in the near future.
Wow the first thing that makes sense.. the @MLB shuts down the split season for the Rays between Tampa and Montreal..
— Darin (@darin_helmuth) January 20, 2022
A’s to Vegas in 2024.
Rays to Montreal in 2028.
Miami Marlins will rename Florida Marlins in 2029.
Charlotte and Portland will be the two expansion teams in 2030.
The state of Texas didn't need a third team.
The state of TN loves Atlanta Braves!
Don't count Mexico out. https://t.co/zesditgT3Q
— BravesExcelGuy (@BravesExcel) January 20, 2022
Now that the Rays won’t be splitting time in Montreal wonder if they move to Nashville, Montreal, Charlotte, or another local. They haven’t had much luck figuring out a stadium on the Tampa side.
— Brad 🐘 (@ChicagoSports34) January 20, 2022
Fans never want to hear about their favorite team moving away.
Unfortunately, loyal Rays fans who do attend games often know the situation is not good.
Owners always want more money and even a new stadium may not be enough to keep the Rays around if there is not a big enough fanbase.
The Montreal/Tampa Bay Expos/Rays thing was always tremendously stupid and remains stupid and there was never any sensible logic behind it. Don’t try and justify it
— Joe (@JoeRiveraSN) January 20, 2022
Las Vegas, Austin, Charlotte, San Antonio, and Portland could be sites for relocation (A's and Rays). However they would require time to build MLB caliber facilities. Nashville and Montreal have the same issues of needing MLB caliber facilities (stadiums) as well.
— Cody (@CodyStormPanic) January 20, 2022
81 games is a lot of games, says Stu.
Says NFL with 8 home games is easy.
“There are a lot of places, such as Montreal, that can handle a half season.”
Says Tampa’s ability to support 81 games a year hasn’t worked to this point. #Rays
— CHRIS TORELLO (@TorelloSports) January 20, 2022
The Rays’ lease runs through the 2027 season.
After that, it would not be a shock to see the team move.
But a team may already be awarded to Montreal by then if MLB is keen on expanding in the next few years.
That would then make the Rays a top relocation option for cities seeking a club that isn’t an expansion team.
