"Wishful thinking or not, city leaders hope a proposed light-rail system can help boost Tampa Bay Rays attendance and even quiet rumors that the Rays are Tampa-bound.

Witness the comments at a Thursday night St. Petersburg City Council meeting.

Speaking about Tropicana Field, Councilman Wengay Newton said light rail "is going to be a huge factor, because if you've been there, getting out of there is a huge nightmare."

Councilman Karl Nurse noted how the Rays supported the failed campaign to build light rail in Hillsborough County. The Rays have a "clear understanding" of light rail's importance, Nurse said."