News

As the Rowdies 2012 home opener set for Saturday, April 14 at 7:30 p.m. against FC Edmonton fast approaches, Al Lang Stadium is undergoing a transformation every day to get ready.

Field conversion is underway as all baseball playing surfaces are removed and converted to a natural grass surface. The soccer-specific set-up will remain for the entire season with the Rowdies as the primary tenant of Al Lang Stadium.

Earlier this year, the Al Lang Stadium office building adjacent to the box office and main entrance was removed, opening up another line of sight to Bayshore Drive. The new open grass space will now serve as the home of the new Rowdies Fan Zone. The fan zone will include interactive games, food, and much more for the young and old. Fans can enjoy the area before all Saturday night games, as well as the annual Fourth of July showdown with the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers.

Once you enter the stadium beginning with the home opener on April 14, Rowdies fans will notice a difference as well. This week, the net in front of the stands in the corner of the field closest to the seats (home plate) will be removed, further enhancing the view of the pitch for fans. New branded signage will highlight the Return of the Rowdies, and groups can be a part of the action right next to the Rowdies’ bench in the Budweiser VIP tent. Of course fans can still experience some of their favorites from last year, including Rowdies Field Side seats, one of the most unique opportunities in sports.

The offseason has been filled with major improvements at the home of the Rowdies. Following the end of last season, the east side (left field) berm was leveled, creating a scenic field-level Beer Garden with views of the playing field, the pier, and the water. It also creates an even more scenic view of the water for fans in the north side grandstand and field side seats. The Beer Garden will allow fans to enjoy drinks and live music, as well as a spectacular view of the water and team warm-ups, before the gates open at Al Lang on gameday.

The Rowdies have been busy working with the City of St. Petersburg and the St. Petersburg Baseball Commission to improve upon the atmosphere at Al Lang that drew rave reviews a year ago. In less than two weeks, that atmosphere in beautiful downtown St. Pete will be unveiled for the home opener.

You can still get your seats for the upcoming season, with tickets starting as low as $10. Call the Rowdies ticket office at 813-287-1539 for more information.