Rays won’t hold Spring Training in Port Charlotte due to storm damage

ST. PETERSBURG — Due to break attributable to Hurricane Ian, the Rays won’t be able to carry Spring Training in Port Charlotte subsequent 12 months.

The Rays and Charlotte County introduced the choice in a joint assertion on Thursday night time. Charlotte Sports Park has been Tampa Bay’s Spring Training residence since 2009.

“Following a joint assessment of the damage to Charlotte Sports Park caused by Hurricane Ian, Charlotte County and the Tampa Bay Rays have determined there is not adequate time before the Rays 2023 spring training is scheduled to begin to get the park in suitable condition to host games,” the assertion stated. “Charlotte County helps the Rays efforts to safe different lodging for 2023 spring coaching.

“We are all disappointed for the residents of Charlotte County and the fans there. The community is in the thoughts and hearts of the Rays, and the team will continue to support recovery efforts. The Rays and Charlotte County intend to develop a restoration plan for Charlotte Sports Park in the coming weeks.”

There was vital injury and heavy flooding all through Port Charlotte and Charlotte County after Hurricane Ian made landfall simply south of Punta Gorda, Fla., on Sept. 28. The storm struck the southwest coast of Florida and slowly moved throughout the state. The Tampa Bay Times reported on Sept. 29 that there was apparent injury finished to the Charlotte Sports Park complicated, noting {that a} employee on web site described water injury and electrical points contained in the buildings.

The Rays haven’t but finalized their plans for Spring Training, however they’re contemplating a wide range of choices. One risk could possibly be enjoying their Grapefruit League video games at Tropicana Field, however they’d seemingly want a bigger area with extra fields to carry their exercises.