NewsSt. Pete CatalystOctober 24, 2026Pinellas County
St. Petersburg officials prepare city logistics and security for World Series crowds
Photo: St. Pete Catalyst
Mayor Ken Welch and Police Chief Anthony Holloway announced city preparations for an influx of over 100,000 visitors as St. Petersburg hosts World Series games and watch parties starting Monday. City officials detailed shuttle options to counter high stadium parking fees, coordinated multi-agency security plans, and scheduled downtown block parties.
Read the full story at St. Pete CatalystWhy It Matters
Residents and visitors face heavy traffic, heightened law enforcement presence, and parking costs ranging from $25 at downtown shuttle lots up to $150 near Tropicana Field.
Key Facts
- St. Petersburg is expecting more than 100,000 visitors for upcoming World Series games and watch parties starting Monday.
- Stadium-adjacent parking lots are charging an average of $150.
- The city is operating four shuttle services from downtown lots where parking is available for as low as $25.
- Tropicana Field will open three hours before game time.
- Security measures include local, state, and federal law enforcement officers stationed inside, outside, and undercover, alongside drone traffic monitoring.
- Tropicana Field will host official watch parties during away games using a 171-by-36-foot LED video board.
- The city scheduled two days of block parties, including an event on Central Avenue between 13th and 15th streets featuring limited-edition posters.
- The World Series best-of-seven series features games scheduled at 8 p.m. through October 31 if necessary.
Who's Mentioned
OrganizationTampa Bay Rays“Baseball team playing in the World Series”OrganizationWDAE“Radio station broadcasting the games”PersonKen Welch“Mayor of St. Petersburg”locationMilwaukee“Host city for the first two games”OrganizationWTVT“Broadcaster airing the games”locationSt. Petersburg“Host city for home games”locationCentral Avenue“Location of the city block parties”OrganizationTropicana Field“Stadium hosting the home games and watch parties”PersonAnthony Holloway“Police Chief of St. Petersburg”locationPinellas“County referenced in related notes”OrganizationBrewers“Opposing baseball team”PersonRachel Potter“Broadway performer mentioned in related note”OrganizationWUSF“NPR affiliate radio station”OrganizationFox Deportes“Broadcaster airing the games in Spanish”PersonRick Mayer“Digital producer contributing to the report”PersonEva Liguori“Reporter for WUSF”