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NewsTampa Bay TimesOctober 27, 2026Hillsborough County

St. Petersburg businesses capitalize on Tampa Bay Rays World Series run with increased local spending and tourism

Photo: Tampa Bay Times

Local St. Petersburg businesses, hotels, and restaurants are experiencing a significant financial boost and increased customer traffic as the Tampa Bay Rays compete in the World Series. Tourism officials project millions in economic impact from home games at Tropicana Field and visitors traveling to the area. However, business owners also face uncertainty regarding the team's planned future relocation to Tampa.

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Why It Matters

St. Petersburg storefronts, bars, and hotels are generating substantial revenues and tourism spikes that help offset recent slow periods caused by hurricane recovery and previous stadium disruptions, with hotel revenue projected to triple compared to the previous year.

Key Facts

  • The St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce estimates an economic haul of up to $7 million for every home game played during the series.
  • Hotels in St. Pete and Clearwater are projected to bring in approximately $1.8 million from Monday to Wednesday, marking triple the revenue of the same period last year.
  • Tampa International Airport projected daily passenger volumes between 75,000 and 80,000, compared to an average of 55,000 for this time of year.
  • Full Court Classics on Central Avenue reported sales up around 30% compared to the previous month due to high demand for Rays merchandise.
  • Average ticket prices for the World Series in Tampa Bay increased by more than 800% compared to the regular season, with cheapest available tickets costing over $900 with fees six hours before Game 4.
  • Local storefronts experienced previous financial strain following the 2024 hurricane season and the Rays' temporary relocation to Steinbrenner Field in Tampa.
  • The Tampa Bay Rays plan to move their stadium to Tampa in 2029, leaving a potential two remaining seasons at Tropicana Field.
  • Maxi Artisanal Empanadas reported selling over 5,000 empanadas during away games at Ferg's Sports Bar & Grill.

Who's Mentioned

OrganizationVisit St. Pete-Clearwater“Local tourism agency providing hotel revenue projections.”PersonNicole Waters“Executive director for the Edge Business District Association.”PersonCorby Ratliff“Owner of Full Court Classics on Central Avenue.”PersonDonald Trump“Former U.S. President quoted regarding the World Series matchup.”locationTampa“Nearby city and planned future home of the Rays.”OrganizationFerg's Sports Bar & Grill“A prominent 34-year-old sports bar near Tropicana Field.”OrganizationSt. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce“Local chamber of commerce providing economic estimates.”OrganizationMilwaukee Brewers“The opposing team in the World Series matchup against the Tampa Bay Rays.”PersonSean Ferraro“A Largo native visiting Ferg's and Tropicana Field with his family.”PersonMark Ferguson“Owner of Ferg's Sports Bar & Grill.”PersonMichelle Harrolle“Director of the Vinik Sport & Entertainment Management program at the University”OrganizationTampa International Airport“Airport projecting high passenger volumes during the series.”locationArlington“Location of the 2020 World Series bubble.”PersonChris Steinocher“CEO and president of the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce.”PersonChad Benson“Owner of Deli Sport who designs and sells custom Rays merchandise.”OrganizationTropicana Field“Home stadium of the Tampa Bay Rays in St. Petersburg.”PersonJonathan Gorksi“A Milwaukee resident who flew in for the game.”locationSt. Petersburg“City hosting home games for the Tampa Bay Rays.”OrganizationTampa Bay Rays“Major League Baseball team playing in the World Series.”OrganizationUniversity of South Florida“Institution housing the Vinik Sport & Entertainment Management program.”