This week, St. Petersburg is preparing for a major influx of baseball fans as the Tampa Bay Rays face the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2026 World Series at Tropicana Field. City officials expect more than 100,000 people to visit St. Petersburg during the series, with estimates ranging from 80,000 to 120,000 visitors.
The games are bringing increased attention to the city and are expected to benefit downtown restaurants, hotels, bars, and other local businesses as fans gather to support their teams. At the same time, city officials are implementing an extensive security and traffic plan to manage crowds around Tropicana Field and throughout downtown.
The World Series also represents a milestone for St. Petersburg, which is welcoming baseball’s championship series back to Tropicana Field following extensive stadium repairs after Hurricane Milton damaged the roof in October 2024.
St. Petersburg Implements World Series Security Plan
St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch and Police Chief Anthony Holloway outlined the city’s preparations ahead of the Rays’ home games, identifying public safety and traffic management as key priorities.
More than 100 St. Petersburg police officers are expected to work during the games, supported by state and federal law enforcement partners. The security plan includes uniformed and undercover officers, drone surveillance to monitor vehicle and pedestrian movement, and K-9 teams conducting stadium security sweeps before games.
The city is also activating an emergency operations center at the St. Petersburg Police Department to coordinate the response and help officials address potential issues as they arise.
Police anticipate approximately 40,000 fans at each sold-out game, in addition to an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 people who could gather elsewhere around the city. Officials are also preparing for possible celebrations if the Rays continue their postseason run.
Police Chief Holloway identified traffic as the city’s biggest anticipated challenge. While fans will arrive over several hours, thousands of people could attempt to leave the stadium area at the same time after each game.
Officials plan to prioritize pedestrian safety as crowds exit Tropicana Field and are encouraging drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians to remain alert and follow law enforcement directions.
Plan for Parking and Traffic
Tropicana Field gates open three hours before first pitch, giving fans additional time to enter the stadium and helping reduce congestion near the entrances.
Parking costs are another consideration for visitors. According to Holloway, parking near the stadium has averaged approximately $150 during the World Series, while some downtown parking options are available for as little as $25.
Fans can consider parking downtown and using city shuttles to reach Tropicana Field. Officials recommend arriving early to take advantage of alternative transportation options and enjoy downtown before the game.
Visitors should also plan for delays after the final out, particularly if they park close to the stadium. Police will be directing traffic and managing pedestrian movement as fans leave the area.
Fans attending the games should review the Tampa Bay Rays’ stadium security policies before arriving. The team’s clear-bag policy remains in effect for the 2026 postseason, and prohibited bags and other restricted items could delay entry or result in fans being turned away.
Updated Scores for the Rays
The Rays returned to Tropicana Field on Monday, Oct. 26, for Game 3 of the World Series. However, the homecoming ended in a 10-1 loss to Milwaukee, giving the Brewers a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
A decisive eight-run fifth inning helped Milwaukee pull away, while rookie left-hander Robert Gasser limited Tampa Bay to one hit through six innings. The game drew a sellout crowd of 40,388, according to the Associated Press.
The teams are scheduled to meet again at Tropicana Field for Game 4 on Tuesday, Oct. 27, with first pitch set for 8 p.m. A fifth game is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 28, if necessary.
Milwaukee now needs one more victory to claim its first World Series championship, while Tampa Bay faces elimination.
With city officials estimating that between 80,000 and 120,000 people could visit St. Petersburg during the World Series, traffic management, public safety and crowd coordination remain central to the city’s preparations.
Officials are encouraging fans to arrive early, consider alternative parking and transportation options, review stadium security rules and follow directions from law enforcement.
Beyond the outcome of the championship series, the event represents an opportunity for St. Petersburg to welcome visitors, support local businesses and demonstrate the community’s recovery following the hurricanes that damaged the city in 2024.
As the Rays continue their World Series run at Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg is preparing to manage the crowds while making the most of one of the region’s biggest sporting events.
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