Name could be big change

By MARC TOPKIN, Times Staff Writer

Published January 15, 2006

 

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ST. PETERSBURG - The team on the field might not reflect it, but the Devil Rays organization is undergoing significant change.

 

With a fresh approach and attitude under the new ownership and management, there are millions being spent to upgrade the facility and improve the fan experience. There are creative executives being hired, and holdover ones being empowered. There are all kinds of innovative concepts (clean restrooms! a decent sound system!) floating around along with new ideas, such as plans for a huge touch tank of live rays on the right-centerfield patio.

 

Bigger news might be coming.

 

Top officials are privately talking about ideas that would change the entire look and identity of the team for the 2007 season - from the name to the colors to the logos to the uniforms.

 

At the least, it seems likely the word "Devil" will be dropped, as it already is in some official team references. Then a decision has to be made whether to continue associating Rays with the sea creatures or to connect with the sun. Or there could be a new name, such as the Tampa Bay Tarpons.

 

The name issue likely will drive the others, and it reasons that if one is changed they all will be, and done neatly to commemorate what will be marketed as the 10th anniversary season.

 

Discussions are very much preliminary. Concepts have to be designed. Focus groups need to be convened. MLB officials have to be consulted. Procedures must be followed, including a March�31 deadline to notify MLB of a possible change and details by May�31. Decisions have to be made.

 

The team on the field in 2007 is expected to be considerably better. From the sound of the whispers, it will look considerably different too.

 

HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE: If current plans being discussed with the Florida Aquarium go through, the touch tank will be a featured attraction, big enough to hold 25-35 rays, open to all fans and visible from the playing field.

LOL thats one letter away from a huge typo and alot of angry women

LOL thats one letter away from a huge typo and alot of angry women

 

:lol :lol i read it the same way you did

That ray tank would be a badass idea! And yes I go there every year to see the Marlins play... Their sound system blows BIG TIME! You can even hear the guy announce whos batting! lol

That ray tank would be a badass idea! And yes I go there every year to see the Marlins play... Their sound system blows BIG TIME! You can even hear the guy announce whos batting! lol

 

 

And there's usually a pretty bad echo from one end of the stadium to the other.

 

If they were smart they would get Tanqueray as a sponsor. The Tanquery Ray Tank. How badass is THAT?

Yea the fish tank would be really cool. OK guys stupid q. what exactly is a tarpon? Isnt it some type of fish? and I think they should keep the Devil Ray name, but change the logo and colors.

Yea the fish tank would be really cool. OK guys stupid q. what exactly is a tarpon? Isnt it some type of fish? and I think they should keep the Devil Ray name, but change the logo and colors.

http://myfwc.com/marine/FishID/tarpon.html

 

 

 

Google is so glorious.

why tarpons?

why tarpons?

 

 

Old minor league team I believe.

Sharks > Tarpons

 

And I have no problem with the colors they sport now. I think they look nice.

I wouldn't change their name. They just need to step up and sign some veterans to supplement their strong young talent