NewsFox 13 News (WTVT)October 26, 2026Hillsborough County
World Series travel brings an estimated 80,000 daily passengers to Tampa International Airport
Photo: Fox 13 News (WTVT)
The World Series matchup between the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays is drawing an influx of travelers to Tampa International Airport, matching peak spring break and holiday passenger volumes. Tourism officials report that the games are boosting regional businesses, hotels, and restaurants across the Tampa Bay area.
Read the full story at Fox 13 News (WTVT)Why It Matters
Local businesses and hospitality sectors in the Tampa Bay region are seeing increased customer traffic and labor demand comparable to peak holiday travel seasons due to thousands of out-of-state visitors arriving for the games.
Key Facts
- Tampa International Airport expected nearly 80,000 travelers daily on Sunday and Monday due to the World Series.
- Normal daily passenger volume for Tampa International Airport at this time of year is typically between 55,000 and 60,000.
- The expected passenger totals rival the airport's typical spring break and holiday travel numbers.
- Fans traveled from states including Alaska, Texas, and Maryland to attend the games between the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays.
- Tourism leaders state the World Series is providing a business boost to hotels, restaurants, attractions, and entertainment venues across the Tampa Bay region.
- Major League Baseball estimates postseason games can generate up to $7 million per game in economic impact for the region.
- Visit St. Pete-Clearwater characterized the games as an economic injection into the local economy.
Who's Mentioned
OrganizationVisit St. Pete-Clearwater“Organization describing the games as an economic injection”locationPinellas County“County where baseball spotlight is focused”locationTexas“State where a traveling fan flew in from”locationTampa Bay“Region receiving a boost in tourism and business”PersonSantiago Corrada“President and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay”locationTampa“City hosting travelers and airport location”locationAlaska“State where a traveling fan flew in from”other60,000“Typical upper end of daily passenger volume during this time of year”other55,000“Typical lower end of daily passenger volume during this time of year”OrganizationMilwaukee Brewers“Baseball team competing in the World Series”locationMilwaukee“Home city of the Brewers”PersonJosh Walker“Brewers fan traveling from Alaska to attend the games”OrganizationTampa International Airport“Airport experiencing increased passenger traffic”OrganizationMajor League Baseball“Provided economic impact estimates for postseason games”locationMaryland“State from which visitors arrived”OrganizationVisit Tampa Bay“Regional tourism organization”PersonSandy Gorski“Fan traveling from Dallas to attend Game 4 in Tampa”other80,000“Expected daily traveler count during the World Series”locationDallas“City where Sandy Gorski resides”OrganizationTampa Bay Rays“Baseball team competing in the World Series”