Workers prepare Tropicana Field

St. Petersburg, Florida – Workers are Tropicana Field are getting ready to host the Tampa Bays Rays first divisional playoff series.

An Instructional League game was moved inside the Trop Monday afternoon because of the possibility of rain at the Raymond A. Namoli complex.

During the minor leaguers’ game, workers in the TBT Party Deck in left field were building an auxiliary press box, with countertops, telephones and Internet access.

If the Rays advance to the American League Championship Series, more bleachers in the Party Deck will be removed for additional press space. And more will come out if the Rays get to the World Series.

In some open space underneath the TBT Party Deck, workers will build additional television and radio booths if the Rays advance to the next round of the playoff.

“It’s wreaked havoc with tee times, and with football schedules and everything like that but what a great position to be in,” said Rick Nafe, Rays V.P of Operations and Facilities. “It’s my first time in this business going into post season play with the team that I’m involved with so I’m excited. It’s a lot of work but it’s a lot of fun work.”

If the Rays reach the World Series blue tarps will come off seats in the upper level, adding about 8,000 seats.

In the divisional playoff series, fans will notice 100 pieces of new bunting throughout Tropicana Field. Rays’ executives think they need more so they've ordered another 25.

In right field other workers put up signs in the Checkers bullpen area that say “Postseason 2008 Fox/TBS”

And large pictures of Rays players are going up in hallways on the upper level.