Faulty reasoning signals

• Halo Effect - 20.2%
• Optimism Bias - 19.4%
• Appeal to Authority - 12.1%

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During a busy week in which they’re battling their fiercest rival , honoring franchise icon Evan Longoria and restocking the farm system with prospects from the draft, the Rays also are continuing to work on their future home. Wednesday night, they provided the first look inside the planned new $2.3 billion Tampa ballpark that would open in 2029, and it is eye-catching. What stand out most are views of the sky through the transparent fixed roof, with renderings showing fans watching the game while airplanes fly and lightning flashes overhead. The idea is to create an indoor/outdoor ballpark experience, and the Rays feel they have done so using state-of-the-art ETFE material and proprietary technology in the first-of-its-kind roof design — and obviously some heavy-duty air conditioners. “No matter what the weather is outside, we’re all going to be cool and comfortable inside,” Rays CEO Ken Babby said. Other planned features include an intimate design that will put fans closer to the action, some nearer to home plate than the pitchers; two video boards among the largest and most technologically advanced in the industry; club areas adjacent to both bullpens; and a new version of the popular ray tank in the form of a larger and deeper aquarium feature. The stadium is expected to have around 30,000 fixed seats with a total baseball capacity in the low-to mid-30,000s and the flexibility to hold a series of other events. The field will be artificial turf, with a dirt infield similar to Tropicana Field. Outfield dimensions and other field- and player-related elements are still under discussion. The primary entrance will be an acre-sized plaza beyond centerfield. There also will be a large bar overlooking centerfield, positioned above a hitting background that retracts when a game is not going on. That will allow fans a “cinematic” view of the field upon entry and for other events. Babby said the team will remain committed to a variety of price points to keep tickets affordable. While changes are possible, Babby said the primary elements are pretty much set. “We’re in schematic design now ... so what you’re seeing today is very, very real,” he said. The five renderings by the Populous architect firm are the first of a planned series to be released in coming weeks showing other aspects of the planned project. It will include a surrounding mixed-use development similar to The Battery in Atlanta — with work, live, learn, play elements — on the current site of Hillsborough College across from Raymond James Stadium and next to Steinbrenner Field. The development also will be viewable by fans in the stadium. “It’s a ballpark built for Tampa,” Babby said. “You’re going to see the Ybor brick in certain areas. You’ll see more when you see the exterior, but it’s really quite breathtaking. And you’ll see the way the materials all work together.” The Rays have said they will pay more than half of the stadium cost, plus overruns, while negotiating with Tampa and Hillsborough County officials to cover close to $1 billion through several mechanisms of public funding. Those discussions are ongoing and seem to have had the ebb and flow of a baseball season, but Babby said the Rays wanted to showcase how it could work. “This moment is about what we’re trying to build for the community,” he said. While the discussions continue — there were several meetings on Wednesday — Babby said the team remains optimistic of getting the deal completed, with hopes to start construction in the next few months for a March 2029 opening. “We’re still working on definitive documents, and we continue to move forward,” Babby said. “The process is moving forward positively. We know we still have more work to do, but we remain encouraged and positive about the process.” In a media release accompanying the renderings, Babby said: “Ballpark design is always in motion, but we felt it was time to pause and share with our fans where we are today and anticipate going in the future. What we are unveiling today is a response to what Rays fans have told us they want — a comfortable and inviting ballpark that honors the intimate connection between fans and the game, while at the same time incorporating modern amenities and design innovations that they expect and deserve. We’re listening and working hard to deliver on what we feel will be the best ballpark experience in the game, bar none.” • • • Sign up for our Sports Today newsletter to get daily updates on the Bucs, Rays, Lightning and college football across Florida. Every weekday, tune into our Sports Day Tampa Bay podcast to hear reporter Rick Stroud break down the biggest stories in Tampa Bay sports. Never miss out on the latest with your favorite Tampa Bay sports teams. Follow our coverage on X and Facebook .