The St. Pete Times talked to a few business owners in downtown St. Petersburg about the possibility of the Rays leaving the area:
Russ Bond, general manager at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort estimates 5 percent of his business stems from visiting teams and fans.
Steve Westphal operates Parkshore Grill and 400 Beach Seafood & Tap House on Beach Drive, and the Hangar Restaurant and Flight Lounge at Albert Whitted Airport: “If we have baseball or if we don’t, we’ll thrive.”
Ferg’s owner Mark Ferguson wants the Rays to take another look at downtown: “Every year we do a little better,” he says. “And hopefully the Rays will start drawing more people to the games, and they’ll change their mind about being in downtown St. Pete.”
The Tribune quotes Chang Mai Thai Cuisine’s owner Suda Deowpawaropas: “With no game, it’s quiet around here.”