Sunday, February 15, 2009

Patrons Provided Cool Comfort at Tampa Bay Rays New Spring Training Facility

SARASOTA, FL (February 15, 2009) – The recently-renovated Charlotte Sports Park, new home of the Tampa Bay Rays spring training, is accented with an array of custom Apollo Sunguard shade structures. The former Charlotte County/Ranger Stadium boasts over 5,500 square feet of shade throughout the Park – all custom designed and manufactured by Apollo Sunguard.

Once inside the Park, guests are greeted with a plethora of shaded areas including right and left field picnic pavilions, dugouts, an observation roof, press dining, and administration deck. The newly-renovated Park encompasses Apollo Sunguard’s X-11 Eclipse cantilevers, including a dramatic 80-foot curved shaded concourse that literally creates an eclipse of the sun underneath it. Utilizing a modular design concept, the X-11 Eclipse is designed to be interconnected to form infinite lengths of continuous shade without any gaps in sun protection.

The navy shade structures harmonize with the Park’s architectural style and landscaping, while complimenting the Tampa Bay Ray’s team colors. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, the curved shade structures optimize shade and solar protection by providing 90% shade and blocking 95% of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation. The X-11 Eclipse is engineered for 120 mph winds with the covers on and 170 mph with the covers removed.

As part of a $27 million dollar renovation, the Charlotte Sports Park is completely refurbished to be on par with the best facilities for spring training and minor league baseball. In addition to the abundance of shade, the Park includes a 360 degree fan-friendly pedestrian concourse, a new luxury suite level, two outfield berms, a tiki bar, a children’s play area and new group areas. The renovation was completed in January 2009 and will be used for other events such as concerts, festivals and expos throughout the year. The Charlotte Sports Park is located at 2300 El Jobean Road in Port Charlotte, Florida.

About Apollo Sunguard

Apollo Sunguard Systems, Inc. of Sarasota, Florida is a privately-held, service disabled, veteran-owned business specializing in pre-engineered and custom designed shade structures. As shade innovators, their mission is to provide superior protection for solar radiation and heat, while promoting cool comfort, sun safety, healthy living and environment preservation. To contact Apollo Sunguard Systems, Inc., please visit www.apollosunguard.com/contactus.