Los Angeles metro population: 18.8M (park sucks to get to, but is only 3 miles from downtown)
Boston metro population: 4.9M (park sucks to get to, but is only 3 miles from downtown)
Tampa metro population: 2.9M (park sucks to get to and is 20 miles away from downtown and across the bay)
I think convenience is a very big factor with the Rays attendance. However, unless it's tried out elsewhere in the Tampa area, we won't really know. I just feel like the overwhelming Lightning attendance number shows that there is a desire for local sports in the area. Factoring in the good tv and radio ratings for the Rays, it shouldn't be a big wonder as to why it isn't working out for them right now. They have a young, successful and exciting team. They just can't fill that stadium in St Pete.